When it comes to purchasing tech for your business, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest gadgets and software updates. But have you ever stopped to consider the environmental impact of those tech products? As sustainability becomes increasingly important across every industry, it’s time to be eco-conscious regarding your IT procurement and its role in your business growth.
Keep reading to discover how to pick the right sustainable IT solutions, so you can make smart choices that help your business go green without sacrificing performance or efficiency.
What is IT Procurement?
IT procurement is the process of sourcing, purchasing, and managing technology products and services for a business or organization. Today, however, IT procurement has evolved to include sustainability as a key consideration, not just focusing on cost and performance but also on environmental impact. This shift is increasingly seen as part of a broader effort to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable business practices.
Why Sustainable IT Procurement Matters?
Traditional IT equipment can have a significant environmental impact, from the energy it consumes to how it’s disposed of at the end of its lifecycle. On top of that, the materials used to create tech products, such as metals, plastics, and rare earth elements, can harm the environment.
When you focus on sustainable IT procurement, you’re making a long-term investment not just in your business, but in the planet. With growing environmental concerns, forward-thinking companies increasingly see eco-friendly tech products as a necessity.
7 Tips on What and How to Choose Sustainable IT Procurement
With sustainability becoming a greater priority for businesses, sustainable IT procurement has become a key strategy for reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency. Here’s how you can make eco-conscious decisions and integrate sustainable IT solutions into your plan:
1. Look for Energy-Efficient Computers and Laptops
When choosing energy-efficient work computers and laptops, you’ll want to look for models that use less power while still delivering the performance your business needs. Some key factors to look out for include:
- ENERGY STAR® Certification: ENERGY STAR is one of the most recognized certifications for energy-efficient electronics. This label indicates that a device meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many computer manufacturers offer ENERGY STAR-certified models, so keep an eye out when shopping.
- EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) Rating: EPEAT helps you to evaluate products based on various environmental criteria, including energy efficiency. The EPEAT rating system considers energy use during operation and standby modes. A Gold or Silver rating guarantees that the product meets high standards for energy efficiency.
- Power Management Features: Choose devices with built-in power management features like automatic sleep mode, low-power standby, and energy-saving screens. Laptops with adaptive brightness sensors and long-lasting batteries further enhance efficiency by reducing energy use and minimizing the need for frequent charging.
2. Choose Eco-Certified and Eco-Friendly Office Equipment
Office equipment is another area where you can make a significant environmental impact. Many eco-friendly office equipment options are available, helping to reduce your business's energy consumption and waste. Here’s what to look for:
- Eco-Friendly Printers: Look for printers with energy-saving modes that use recycled paper or toner. Opt for recyclable models with repurposable plastic parts, and consider Multi-Functional Printers (MFPs) that combine printing, scanning, and copying to reduce energy and material use.
- Energy-Efficient Monitors: If your team spends hours in front of computer screens, it’s important to select monitors that are energy-efficient. Some monitors come with an eco-mode that reduces brightness and energy consumption during off-peak hours.
- Eco-Friendly Phone Systems: If your business uses office phones, think about switching to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system that is energy-efficient and often uses fewer resources than traditional phone lines. VoIP systems don’t require large physical infrastructure, reducing both energy consumption and the need for hardware.
- Recycled Materials: Many manufacturers now offer office equipment made from recycled or sustainable materials, including desks, chairs, file cabinets, and storage units. Opt for furniture crafted from bamboo, recycled metal, or FSC-certified wood for minimal environmental impact and lasting durability.
- Biodegradable Accessories: Even the small stuff, keyboard covers, mousepads, and cables can contribute to sustainability. Search for biodegradable or recyclable accessories to reduce the environmental impact of the tiny items that add up in your office.
- Refurbished or Certified Pre-Owned Equipment: If your budget is tight but you still want a sustainable IT procurement, consider buying refurbished equipment. Refurbished products are often just as good as new, and you’re reducing the demand for new manufacturing.
3. Invest in Sustainable IT Solutions
Beyond hardware, the software and IT services you choose can influence your sustainability efforts. Here are a few sustainable IT solutions to consider:
- Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud computing allows your business to store and access data remotely, which can help reduce the need for on-site servers and the energy required to maintain them.
- Virtualization: You can reduce hardware requirements and energy consumption by running multiple virtual servers on a single physical server. This saves space and cuts down on the amount of electricity needed to power physical servers.
- Software That Promotes Sustainability: Many sustainable IT solutions are designed to help businesses track and reduce their environmental impact. From energy management software to waste tracking solutions, these tools can help you measure your energy consumption, reduce waste, and make better, eco-conscious decisions in your IT procurement.
4. Sustainable Materials and Packaging
When shopping for eco-friendly office equipment, consider both the materials used in the products and their packaging. Many manufacturers now use post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, which help reduce the need for new raw materials and minimize environmental impact.
Also, check for products with minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. Even eco-friendly tech products can be offset by excessive or harmful packaging, so choose products that align with sustainability goals in both design and packaging.
5. Plan for End-of-Life Disposal & Recycling
Even the most sustainable IT procurement will eventually reach the end of its life cycle. When you purchase office equipment, think ahead to the product's end-of-life. Here’s what to look for:
- Trade-In & Buyback Programs: Many companies offer trade-in programs for used laptops, phones, and tablets, providing credit towards new purchases.
- Certified E-Waste Facilities: If the manufacturer doesn’t offer a recycling program, seek certified e-waste recycling facilities specializing in safe and environmentally friendly disposal. Look for R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards certification to ensure ethical handling and minimal environmental impact.
- Donate or Reuse: If your equipment still has some life left, consider donating it to charities, schools, or nonprofits. You could also explore second-hand marketplaces to sell your old tech, giving it a second life and keeping it out of the landfill.
6. Partner with Sustainable Vendors
Sourcing eco-friendly office equipment isn’t just about the products — it’s also about the companies behind them. When choosing IT service providers, look for companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations.
Whether it’s reducing waste in their data centers, offering energy-efficient hosting solutions, or using renewable energy sources, many IT service providers are now embracing eco-friendly practices. Partnering with vendors that prioritize sustainability amplifies your impact as well.
7. Prioritize Longevity and Upgradability
A sustainable IT procurement strategy means choosing products that last longer and allow for future upgrades. Instead of constantly replacing devices, look for:
- Modular Laptops & Desktops: Some brands offer modular laptops where users can swap out parts instead of replacing the entire device.
- Expandable RAM & Storage: Some computers allow users to upgrade RAM and storage instead of discarding the device when more power is needed.
- Lifespan & Warranty: Holding onto outdated devices might seem cost-effective, but old computers often drain energy, slow productivity, and generate more electronic waste over time. Investing in durable, business-grade models with extended warranties ensures better performance, fewer replacements, and a lower environmental impact.
5 Best Practices for Sustainable IT Procurement
Now that you know what to look for when selecting sustainable IT products, let’s go over five best practices to make sure your IT procurement strategy is as eco-friendly as possible.
- Set Clear Sustainability Goals: Define what sustainability means for your business. Is it energy efficiency? Recycled materials? Carbon footprint reduction? Align your procurement policies with these goals, so everyone is on the same page.
- Set a Sustainability Policy: If sustainability is important to your business, create a policy that outlines your IT procurement practices. This policy can help guide your decisions and ensure that all new tech purchases align with your environmental goals.
- Research Vendors: Look beyond the product itself and consider the sustainability practices of the suppliers you're working with. Do they follow environmentally friendly manufacturing practices? Are they transparent about their carbon footprint? Many manufacturers now advertise their sustainable IT solutions clearly on their websites, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.
- Review Certifications: Always check for eco-certifications like ENERGY STAR, EPEAT, or Cradle to Cradle. These certifications provide clear proof that the product meets sustainability standards.
- Track and Report: Once you’ve made eco-friendly tech products purchases, keep track of how your sustainable IT solutions are performing. This will help you monitor savings and demonstrate the value of your green efforts to stakeholders.
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Benefits of Choosing a Sustainable IT Procurement
So, why should you care about sustainable IT procurement? Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, choosing sustainable IT solutions can improve your business in other ways:
- Cost Savings: Energy-efficient devices typically cost less to operate over time, reducing your energy bills and maintenance costs.
- Brand Image: Today’s consumers and employees care about sustainability. A company committed to sustainable practices will attract eco-conscious customers and employees who prioritize corporate responsibility.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many regions are introducing stricter environmental regulations. By adopting sustainable IT practices early on, your business can stay ahead of potential future laws.
Go Green with Cornerstone Technologies’ IT Solutions!
When it comes to IT procurement, there’s no need to compromise on performance to achieve sustainability. Cornerstone Technologies places environmental consciousness at the core of its values, offering sustainable IT solutions that align with your eco-conscious goals. We offer a wide range of products and services designed to reduce your carbon footprint, from energy-efficient technology to print management solutions that minimize waste.
Ready to take your IT procurement to the next level? Contact us today and start exploring our sustainable IT solutions, and see how small changes can benefit both your business and the planet!