Corporate sustainability and ESG are becoming a huge focus for many companies, which is shifting the focus to the carbon footprint of businesses. The hidden carbon costs of IT assets like computers, mobile devices, and servers are a huge focus for this, and ultimately have become the turning point for companies that are making the shift in their carbon footprint. In today’s world, measuring your carbon footprint is not an option, and every company should be doing it. ITAD is a solution for companies that are looking to maintain a low carbon footprint while having the 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 entire amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted from the lifecycle of the IT assets. This typically goes from the usage to the disposal stage of the device and the emissions that are released during those times. When we look at the three stages of the lifecycle emissions, this is what they look like:
Manufacturing: This phase refers to the actual manufacturing of the product. This 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: Essentially, this refers to the disposal method, which is typically where ITAD comes in. This goes into 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 as there are a lot of phases and different complexities with it. 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. There is also a difficulty with keeping up with devices that are at the end-of-life cycle or if they 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 keeping up with these challenges.
How Can ITAD Help in Reducing Carbon Footprint?
ITAD is something that many companies are adopting at this point in time due to the amount of help that they bring to the industry, including when it comes to carbon footprint. With carbon footprint and emissions becoming a huge focus, many industries are looking for the best way to combat these emissions and prove where their carbon footprint is. Let’s break down what role ITAD plays in reducing carbon footprint:
Extending Asset Lifespan: Reburnishing and redeploying equipment helps to keep the devices in use for much longer instead of disposing of them.
Recycling: Recycling is the best way to dispose of IT assets, and being responsible with recycling ensures that none of the 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 do it for you ensures that all sensitive material is destroyed and inaccessible.
Sustainability: Having a system in place for disposal keeps sustainability at the top of mind. This ensures that you are not contributing to landfills and that your devices are being disposed of properly, avoiding extra emissions.
Promote Circular Economy: Contributing to the reuse, resale, and material recovery helps to promote a circular economy, which also keeps up with good sustainability practices.
Best Practices for Reducing IT Carbon Footprint
Although ITAD is a great way to reduce carbon footprint, we are going to give you a few other options for what your company can do to reduce its carbon footprint. These are some of the best practices that can help you be sustainable, keep your assets accounted for, and create a disposal plan that is beneficial for 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 keep your assets disposed of in a proper way
- Ensure every employee understands responsible IT use and disposal for 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 only working with those who are qualified to deal with IT disposal and the proper practices around it.
Implement ITAD for IT Carbon Footprint Management
Whether you are looking to keep up with your carbon emissions or looking to 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 for you to work with an ITAD partner. If you are a company that’s looking to do more with your 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 have a good standing for ESG investors that may be looking into your company. If you want some help with ITAD, reach out to us today.
