How To Make Your IT Systems More Environmentally Friendly

Julie Starr • April 27, 2021



As part of being a responsible business owner, you are probably already looking at ways to reduce your company’s impact on the environment. After all, it’s an issue that affects everyone in one way or another. We have to make an effort both in our personal and professional lives to make a difference. 

By assessing different areas of your business, you can find ways to improve your processes and reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of your company. This can come from reducing waste and introducing an environmentally friendly supply chain policy. 

One of the areas of your business to look at is your IT usage. Here are some ways in which you can make simple changes to your IT systems. 

Don’t Print Unnecessarily 

Gone are the days when you needed to print and file every document you were sent. Most documents don’t need to be printed at all. Make it policy in your organization to not print unless necessary. Not only will you save paper, but you’ll also save on printer consumables and energy too. You can get advice on leasing printers from your IT support company . They can also help you to set up your systems in the most efficient way possible. 

Switch To Cloud Computing 

Servers require a lot of power and cooling to keep them running efficiently. Rather than house your servers, move your computing to the cloud. By doing this you’ll drastically reduce your energy consumption, as well as avoid the need for buying and eventually disposing of server equipment . 

Set Your Systems To Turn Off

Many employees get into the habit of just leaving their screens on, or pcs in standby mode when they leave the office for the night. Multiply this by a large number of PCs, 5 days per week and you’re looking at a hefty energy bill across the year. You can set your IT network to power down PCs after a certain time in the evening when you know people won’t be in the office. 

Buy Energy Efficient Equipment

Modern IT equipment is far more energy-efficient than some of the older tech. If you’re running multiple pcs, printers, and monitors across the business, this can add up in terms of energy costs. 

Replace your old, electricity-guzzling tech with a newer model. 

Buy Refurbished Equipment 

Keep equipment out of landfill by buying refurbished where possible. Buying second-hand equipment can save you money too. 

The same goes for when you’re getting rid of equipment. If it’s in good working order and you’re just upgrading, then sell or gift your existing equipment so that it can continue to be useful. 

Use Renewable Energy

Businesses have a choice about who they use as their energy provider. There are now energy companies that use entirely renewable energy sources, meaning that you can power your business with less impact on the environment. 

Final Thoughts 

There are many advantages to reducing your carbon footprint. Not only will you be helping the planet, but you’ll also be going a long way towards reducing your business costs.  Using less energy leads to cheaper utility bills and equipment costs.

The Power of Social Media for Sustainability Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 24, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.
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