The sustainability of IT technology has become a pressing concern. From data centres to smartphones, the increase of digital devices and services has brought about significant environmental challenges.

However, with innovation and conscious efforts, it’s possible to mitigate the environmental impact of IT technology while fostering a sustainable future.

This blog explores the top 6 easy to implement strategies to make IT technology more sustainable:

1. Energy Efficiency:

Improving energy efficiency is paramount in reducing the environmental footprint of IT. Data centres, for example, consume vast amounts of energy for operations and cooling. Adopting energy-efficient hardware, optimising server utilisation and implementing advanced cooling technologies such as liquid cooling can significantly reduce energy consumption.

2. Lifecycle Management:

Effective lifecycle management is crucial for sustainable IT technology. This involves considering the environmental impact of products from design and manufacturing to end-of-life disposal. Procuring products from vendors that have committed CSR practice in place is just a start – try and extend the lifecycle of the product – transition from a 3 year to a 4 year upgrade policy with devices that little support and upgradeability and maintain their residual value which is great for trading in.

End of life disposal is crucial to reaching sustainability goals. Disposing of assets with a responsible partner is a must to ensure your assets are data wiped securely and responsibly. Working with a Lifecycle solution provider will offer many benefits. For example, a superior partner will be able to provide you with data erasure certificates to help you govern and track your retired kit. Another great benefit of working with a superior provider is that it will have zero landfill policy, refurbishment programme or will donate end of life tech to charities. Again, most will be able to provide a detailed report on how much CO2 you have saved by partnering them, which is great news for ESG goals.

3. Cloud Computing and Virtualisation:

Cloud computing and virtualisation offer opportunities to optimise resource utilisation and reduce hardware requirements. By consolidating servers and applications onto virtualised platforms, you can achieve higher efficiency and lower energy consumption. Cloud service providers can further enhance sustainability by investing in energy-efficient data centres and prioritising renewable energy sources for their operations  – make sure you take this up with your partner!

5. Employee Education and Engagement:

Educating employees about sustainable IT practices and encouraging their active participation can drive positive change. Promoting energy-saving behaviours such as turning off devices when not in use, reducing paper consumption through digital alternatives and recycling electronic waste can contribute to a culture of sustainability.

6. Collaboration and Advocacy:

Collaboration across industries and advocacy for sustainable IT policies can amplify efforts towards a greener future. Engaging with stakeholders, participating in industry initiatives and supporting regulatory measures that promote environmental responsibility can foster a collective commitment to sustainability.

It’s clear that the journey towards sustainable IT technology requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing energy efficiency, lifecycle management, cloud computing, disposal and recycling, employee engagement and collaboration. By implementing these strategies, it could help you reduce your environmental footprint, minimise electronic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future. As technology continues to evolve, championing sustainability will be essential in building a greener and more resilient world for generations to come.