Sustainable IT strategies drive both savings & green goals

Organisations are increasingly focusing on integrating sustainability into their IT operations as part of broader efforts to align environmental responsibility with financial performance.

According to Blue Connections IT, the emphasis is moving away from merely refreshing technology towards maximising the value of devices throughout their lifecycle as a central strategy for achieving sustainability objectives and controlling costs.

Gordon Brownell, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Connections IT, explained, "One of the most overlooked aspects of sustainable IT is how companies handle surplus or end-of-life technology. Recycling is an essential part of any sustainability strategy, yet it should be the last resort. The focus should be on reuse, redistribution, and resale wherever possible. For example, businesses can collaborate with social enterprises to provide viable technology to benefit underprivileged communities, schools, and non-profit organisations while minimising the environmental impact of e-waste."

Traditional management of IT assets, which tends to result in devices being discarded before their full functional life ends, often leads to unnecessary waste and lost opportunities. In contrast, Blue Connections IT advocates for approaches such as strategic asset recovery, refurbishment, and resale, noting that these measures can make IT sustainability a contributor to cost savings.

The move towards hybrid working arrangements has posed additional challenges for sustainable IT. With remote work becoming commonplace, the need for flexible asset recovery processes has emerged. Flexible collection methods now include direct-to-home shipments and remote retrieval of devices. Secure and trackable return mechanisms enable companies to monitor each asset, whether it is being redeployed or retired in an environmentally responsible way.

Brownell stated, "Sustainability must be embedded in everyday IT operations, beyond procurement and disposal. Organisations that adopt reusable and secure packaging solutions can significantly reduce waste. For example, using durable, returnable shipping crates instead of single-use cardboard packaging cuts down on landfill contributions and lowers overall logistics costs. Small adjustments like these create long-term environmental and financial benefits.

"Investing in robust reporting and compliance tracking is another valuable step to give companies full visibility into how their IT assets are managed from initial deployment through to end-of-life disposal. Detailed sustainability reporting that outlines the proportion of devices refurbished, resold, donated, or responsibly recycled demonstrates accountability and helps businesses meet corporate social responsibility and environmental, social, and governance commitments."

Implementing a comprehensive lifecycle management programme for IT devices can lower the total cost of ownership by lengthening the period assets remain usable, reducing capital expenditure, and generating returns from repurposing or reselling old equipment. This, the company says, positions businesses to attract partners and clients who value sustainable and responsible practices.

Brownell observed, "Companies must shift their mindset to integrate sustainability into IT management successfully. Businesses should recognise sustainability as an opportunity to drive efficiencies, reduce risks, and differentiate themselves in the market instead of a mere box-ticking exercise. Aligning IT decisions with sustainability goals creates long-term value through technology investments that support both business growth and environmental responsibility.

"Sustainable IT is also about making smart procurement choices from the outset. Organisations that prioritise energy-efficient devices, long-life hardware, and vendor take-back programs support sustainability proactively. Companies can extend sustainability throughout their supply chain by selecting IT suppliers that share their commitment to reducing environmental impact, whether that's through recycled materials, low-power consumption designs, or e-waste management solutions."

Blue Connections IT maintains that adopting these practices not only minimises environmental harm but also leads to more efficient, resilient, and future-prepared operations.