Technology is a great tool for innovation, connection, and growth—but it also has a significant environmental impact.
From energy-intensive data centres to the piles of e-waste left in its wake, the IT industry is a substantial contributor to global pollution.
If your business is working towards ethical certifications such as B Corp or ISO, or simply aiming to reduce its environmental footprint, your choice of IT partner can play a pivotal role.
The Environmental Impact of Tech
Globally, IT operations account for approximately 2-4% of all greenhouse gas emissions, putting the sector on par with the aviation industry.
Key culprits include energy-hungry cloud services, unsustainable manufacturing practices, and improper disposal of outdated devices. However, with intentional choices, businesses can mitigate these effects, aligning IT operations with their environmental and ethical values.
Choosing a Sustainable IT Partner
The right IT partner helps your business adopt greener practices and meet your certification requirements. Here are the key areas where an environmentally conscious IT provider makes a difference:
1. Green Cloud Providers
Cloud computing is indispensable for most businesses, but not all cloud providers are equal in sustainability. An ethical IT partner can guide you towards providers who prioritise renewable energy in their data centres and offer tools for tracking your carbon footprint. Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, for example, are committed to achieving net-zero emissions and offer advanced sustainability features.
2. Device Management and End-of-Life Programs
Every device has a lifecycle, but it doesn’t have to end in a landfill. Look for an IT partner that implements robust end-of-life management, like Dial A Geek’s refurbishment and donation programme.
Devices no longer suitable for business use can be refurbished for redeployment within your team or donated to local charities, giving them a second life. For devices beyond repair, we ensure secure data wiping and environmentally responsible recycling. All of this is covered with our hardware asset management when you sign up for one of our managed IT services.
3. Transparency in Equipment and Packaging
Do you know where your IT equipment comes from, or how far it has travelled to reach you? Your IT partner should provide detailed information about your hardware, including:
- Manufacturing origins: Were ethical and sustainable practices followed?
- Transport footprint: What is the carbon cost of delivery?
- Packaging: Is it recyclable or biodegradable?
This transparency not only supports your reporting for certifications but also aligns your purchasing decisions with your values.
4. Carbon Footprint Reporting
Modern cloud services and hardware providers are increasingly offering data on their environmental impact, such as energy usage and emissions. Your IT partner should help you access and interpret this data for carbon footprint reporting, a critical component of certifications like B Corp.
The Importance of Working with Certified IT Providers
Few IT companies hold certifications that demonstrate a tangible commitment to sustainability and community impact. By choosing a partner with recognised credentials, you’re not only supporting responsible practices but also enhancing your own certification efforts.
For instance, working with a B Corp-certified IT provider boosts your score during the assessment process. It demonstrates a shared commitment to environmental and social values, showcasing your efforts to engage with ethical suppliers. Moreover, local providers with strong community ties often outperform larger, impersonal corporations in sustainability and ethical standards.
Making a Real Difference
Beyond the tangible benefits for your cyber security certifications, partnering with an ethical IT provider has a ripple effect. By supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability, you contribute to reducing e-waste, promoting renewable energy adoption, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
At Dial A Geek, we understand the challenges of balancing business growth with sustainability and we’re proud to be a part of the B Corp movement. As part of our commitment, we plant 20 trees for every new employee enrolled in our Managed Services, refurbish IT equipment to extend its lifecycle (and offer end-of-life programs as part of our hardware and device management service), and we always advocate for green IT practices across our client base.
Ready to Align Your IT with Your Values?
Let us help you meet your environmental goals and build a more sustainable future for your business. Dial A Geek are a certified B-Corp, who have already assisted over 1,000 businesses in Bristol and across the UK to grow securely and responsibly.
Book a meeting with Gildas Jones today and learn how our tailored IT solutions can make a difference for your business, the community, and the planet. Together, we can create lasting change.