Corporate sustainability and ESG are becoming a huge focus for many companies, which is shifting attention to the carbon footprint of businesses. The hidden carbon costs of IT assets like computers, mobile devices, and servers are a major part of this and have ultimately become a turning point for companies working to reduce their carbon footprint. In today’s world, measuring your carbon footprint is not optional—every company should be doing it. ITAD is a solution for companies looking to maintain a low carbon footprint while having proper tracking and reporting. We’re going to talk more about how ITAD can be a great solution for your company to keep a low carbon footprint while maintaining proper reporting.
What Exactly is the Carbon Footprint of IT Assets?
When we talk about the carbon footprint of IT assets, it refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted throughout the lifecycle of IT assets. This typically goes from the usage to the disposal stage of the device and the emissions released during those times. When we look at the three stages of lifecycle emissions, this is what they look like:
Manufacturing: This phase refers to the actual manufacturing of the product. It includes the raw materials and energy-intensive production of the asset itself and any of the parts that go into it.
Use Phase: This phase involves the actual use of the product, focusing on the electricity it consumes and the amount used. This will determine how much carbon is being emitted by the product.
End of Life: This refers to the disposal method, which is typically where ITAD comes in. This includes the disposal, recycling, and landfill impacts of the device itself once the use phase is over.
What Challenges Are There in Measuring IT Carbon Footprint?
Measuring IT carbon footprint can be difficult due to the many phases and complexities involved. One of the challenges is the complexity of global IT supply chains. There is also a lack of standardized reporting across assets, which is something that ITAD can help solve within your company and industry. It can also be difficult to track devices that are at the end of their lifecycle or are resold. ITAD is a solution to many of these challenges, and introducing an ITAD company into your business can save you a lot of headaches when it comes to managing them.
How Can ITAD Help in Reducing Carbon Footprint?
ITAD is something that many companies are adopting due to the benefits it brings to the industry, especially when it comes to carbon footprint. With carbon emissions becoming a huge focus, many industries are looking for the best way to combat emissions and track their footprint. Let’s break down what role ITAD plays in reducing carbon footprint:
Extending Asset Lifespan: Refurbishing and redeploying equipment helps keep devices in use longer instead of disposing of them.
Recycling: Recycling is the best way to dispose of IT assets, and being responsible with recycling ensures that hazardous materials don’t enter landfills.
Data Security: Data security risks are a huge issue that can come with irresponsible disposal of IT assets; however, having an ITAD company handle it ensures that all sensitive material is destroyed and inaccessible.
Sustainability: Having a system in place for disposal keeps sustainability top of mind. This ensures that you are not contributing to landfills and that your devices are disposed of properly, avoiding extra emissions.
Promote Circular Economy: Contributing to reuse, resale, and material recovery helps promote a circular economy, which also aligns with good sustainability practices.
Best Practices for Reducing IT Carbon Footprint
Although ITAD is a great way to reduce carbon footprint, here are a few other options your company can consider. These best practices can help you stay sustainable, keep your assets accounted for, and create a disposal plan that benefits everyone.
- Implement an IT asset management program that focuses on sustainability
- Conduct IT asset footprint audits to see where your carbon footprint levels are
- Partner with an ITAD partner to ensure your assets are disposed of properly
- Ensure every employee understands responsible IT use and disposal within your company
Measuring Your Carbon Footprint
ITAD partners can help you measure your carbon footprint and track emissions from your devices. They can help you track metrics such as avoided emissions, recycled weight, and reuse rates to show proof of what your company is doing to stay sustainable. For example, refurbished devices prevent tons of CO2 waste, so implementing these practices and measuring via an ITAD partner can showcase the impact your business has. Remember, only partner with verified and certified ITAD companies to ensure that you are working with those qualified to handle IT disposal and proper practices around it.
Implement ITAD for IT Carbon Footprint Management
Whether you are looking to manage your carbon emissions or measure and report them, ITAD is the solution for you. With so many companies and investors keeping tabs on carbon emissions, there is a need to work with an ITAD partner. If your company wants to do more with IT assets and stay sustainable, we recommend partnering with an ITAD company that can help. It’s a great way to keep your company sustainable, track and report your emissions, and maintain a good standing with ESG investors. If you want some help with ITAD, reach out to us today.
