The Importance of Sustainable Procurement in IT

Sustainable procurement is an important concept that refers to the process of purchasing goods and services that are environmentally and socially responsible. In the IT industry, sustainable procurement is crucial to achieving sustainability goals and reducing the negative impact of IT operations on the environment and society. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of sustainable procurement in IT, its benefits, and examples of companies that have successfully implemented sustainable procurement practices.

Source: Gartner (2021) Sustainable Procurement Delivers Financial, Social and Environmental Benefits.

Importance of Sustainable Procurement in IT:

1. Reduces Environmental Impact: Sustainable procurement in IT involves purchasing goods and services that are energy-efficient, made from sustainable materials, and have a low carbon footprint. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of IT operations, such as energy consumption, e-waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Supports Social Responsibility: Sustainable procurement also takes into account the social impact of IT operations, such as fair labor practices, human rights, and community engagement. By procuring from socially responsible suppliers, IT companies can contribute to the well-being of their employees, customers, and local communities.
3. Mitigates Business Risks: Sustainable procurement helps to mitigate business risks associated with environmental and social issues. For example, procuring from suppliers with a poor environmental record can lead to reputational damage and legal liabilities.
4. Cost Savings: Sustainable procurement can also result in cost savings for IT companies in the long run. For instance, energy-efficient IT equipment can help to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.

Examples of Sustainable Procurement in IT:

1. Google: Google has set a goal to achieve 100% sustainable procurement by 2025. To achieve this, the company has developed a set of sustainability criteria for its suppliers, which includes environmental, social, and governance factors.
2. Microsoft: Microsoft has implemented a sustainable procurement program, which includes sustainability criteria for its suppliers, supply chain mapping, and supplier sustainability performance tracking. The company has also committed to carbon-neutral operations by 2030.
3. HP: HP has a sustainable procurement policy that requires its suppliers to meet certain environmental, social, and ethical standards. The company has also set a goal to achieve 100% sustainable procurement by 2025.
4. Dell: Dell has a sustainable procurement program that includes a set of environmental, social, and governance criteria for its suppliers. The company has also set a goal to achieve 100% sustainable packaging by 2030.

Conclusion:

Sustainable procurement in IT is essential to achieving sustainability goals and reducing the negative impact of IT operations on the environment and society. By purchasing goods and services that are environmentally and socially responsible, IT companies can contribute to a sustainable future, mitigate business risks, and realize cost savings in the long run. Examples of companies like Google, Microsoft, HP, and Dell show that sustainable procurement is achievable and beneficial for both the company and the environment.