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The Power of an Environmental IT Audit

Environment

The Environmental Impact of IT

The carbon footprint of a typical business or organisation is likely to be one of the main contributors to overall CO2 emissions. This is particularly significant in our digital world, where technology plays a central role in business operations.

But why exactly does IT have such a substantial impact on the environment?

The answer lies in the sheer volume of electronic devices used by organisations daily. For instance, every new laptop, on average, generates another 300KG of carbon dioxide in its manufacture. Desktops, with their more extensive hardware components, typically generate even more.

When you start adding up all the devices within a business—from computers and servers to printers and mobile devices—the environmental impact quickly escalates. Beyond the production of these devices, the energy required to power them contributes significantly to an organisation’s carbon footprint. Moreover, user habits, such as leaving devices on 24/7, further amplify energy consumption and, consequently, CO2 emissions. It’s not just about the number of devices but also how they are used.

The Financial Benefits of Energy Efficiency

The huge payoff here is that reducing energy use not only helps the environment but also has the attractive by-product of saving money! (Who knew!)

By becoming more energy-efficient, businesses can lower their operational costs—often significantly—while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact. It’s a win-win situation that aligns both economic and environmental goals.

Our Environmental IT Audit

Our environmental IT audit is designed to help companies take the first step toward sustainability by providing a comprehensive assessment of their current carbon output and energy usage. But we don’t stop there.

The audit also identifies other planet-friendly practices that can be adopted within the organisation, from better waste management to more efficient use of resources. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the organisation’s IT operations are scrutinised for potential environmental improvements.

Comprehensive Reporting and Actionable Recommendations

Once these factors are identified, we produce an easy-to-digest report that outlines our findings. This report includes detailed recommendations tailored to your specific needs and goals. Where possible, we also provide an indication of the costs associated with these recommendations, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the financial implications.

Additionally, the report includes a roadmap of actions that can help your organisation transition to more sustainable practices. This roadmap is designed to be practical and achievable, allowing for gradual implementation without overwhelming your resources.

Simple Steps, Significant Impact

The best part is that it doesn’t have to be super onerous, nor super expensive. Some actions are as simple as creating a checklist of daily activities, such as encouraging employees to switch off their devices when not in use, or setting power-saving modes on office equipment. These small, manageable steps can collectively lead to significant reductions in energy use and carbon emissions over time.

Our environmental IT audit offers a structured, strategic approach to sustainability. By helping businesses measure their carbon output and energy use, we empower them to make informed decisions that benefit both their bottom line and the planet.

The example audit summary below shows what kind of reporting is possible, giving you a glimpse into the actionable insights and clear guidance you can expect from our service.