Sustainability is no longer just a corporate social responsibility, it’s a strategic necessity. For IT leaders, achieving sustainability goals involves making thoughtful decisions at every stage of a device’s lifecycle.

In this blog we provide a practical guide for IT leaders on how their departments can support their organisation’s sustainability goals through mindful device selection, usage practices and lifecycle management.

Making the right choice

When selecting technology hardware (laptops, desktops, smartphones and such), it is essential to evaluate devices based on their sustainability credentials. Here are key factors to consider:

Repairability:

Having devices that are easy to repair is critical to prolonging their life and reducing electronic waste (e-waste). Devices that allow easy access to components, such as batteries or hard drives, enable repairs to be made without replacing the entire unit.

 

Upgradeability:

Prioritising devices with upgradeable components, such as memory, storage or even the CPU, allows companies to extend the useful life of the technology beyond their own usage. Even if the company plans to use the devices for only 3 or 4 years, choosing upgradeable models ensures that, when they move on to newer technology, the devices can be easily refurbished. This approach not only benefits the business but also supports schools, charities, and other organisations that can gain access to high-quality, sustainable technology.

 

Sustainable Resources:

The materials used in technology devices can vary widely in their environmental impact. Opting for devices built with recycled, recyclable or sustainably sourced materials can significantly reduce the carbon footprint.

 

Education starts at home

Even the most sustainable devices require responsible maintenance to maximise their lifecycle. Here are some key practices to implement within your IT department and across your organisation.

Implement Preventative Maintenance

Programs Regularly scheduled maintenance can help ensure that devices operate efficiently and have a longer lifespan. Preventative maintenance should include:

• Cleaning hardware components such as fans, keyboards and ports to avoid overheating.
• Keeping software updated to reduce security risks and improve performance.
• Ensuring proper battery management (e.g., avoiding overcharging or excessive deep discharging).

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Educate Staff on Device Care

The actions of individual employees can greatly impact the longevity of devices. Therefore, IT departments should invest in educating staff on how to care for and maintain their technology:

• Provide training on proper charging habits to extend battery life.
• Encourage the use of protective cases, especially for mobile devices.
• Remind employees to report small issues early so they can be repaired before escalating into more significant problems.
• Educate employees on safe transportation and handling of devices, such as using padded laptop bags and avoiding drops.
• Stress the importance of keeping liquids away from devices to prevent spills and potential damage.
• Instruct employees on the proper shutdown and restart procedures to prevent system malfunctions.

Lifecycle Management: From Refurbishing to E-Waste Reduction

Organisations need a robust strategy for managing technology devices throughout their lifecycle. Rather than encouraging companies to “sweat their assets” by keeping them until they become obsolete, it’s more sustainable to focus on refurbishing, reusing and recycling devices to extend their life.

Refurbish and Reuse Internally

Before replacing devices with new ones, consider refurbishing them. IT teams can upgrade or repair existing hardware to give it new life. These refurbished devices can be repurposed for less demanding tasks or handed to employees in roles that do not require the latest tech.

Partner with Refurbishment and Resale Programs

Once your organisation decides to upgrade to newer devices, you should explore partnerships with refurbishment companies that can extend the life of your old technology by making it available for other users. Many organisations refurbish and rehome computers to smaller businesses, nonprofits, or schools. This keeps devices out of landfills and promotes sustainability across the broader community.

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Sustainable Device Disposal and E-Waste Management

When devices have reached the end of their useful life, it’s vital to dispose of them responsibly:

• Work with certified e-waste recyclers that follow environmentally friendly disposal practices.
• Use data-wiping services to ensure all sensitive company data is removed before donation or recycling.
• Establish internal recycling programs to make it easy for employees to return old devices for proper disposal.

Monitoring and Measuring Sustainability in IT

The role of IT in sustainability doesn’t end at device selection or disposal. IT leaders must implement systems to monitor and measure their environmental impact. This could include:

• Tracking energy consumption across the IT infrastructure.
• Monitoring e-waste reduction efforts by tracking the number of devices reused or recycled.

By focusing on repairability, upgradeability, and sustainable materials, while implementing proper maintenance and end-of-life management practices, IT leaders can help drive meaningful environmental progress.

This approach not only supports the organisation’s sustainability initiatives but also ensures that technology assets are used efficiently, reducing both costs and environmental impacts over the long term.

Your Key Takeaways:

 

 

By leading sustainable IT initiatives, you help your organisation achieve its broader sustainability goals and contribute to a more responsible future.