IT sustainability: Bettering the bottom line and the planet

Simple sustainability policies can have numerous benefits for organisations in the IT sector.

As sustainability grows as a business priority for Australian organisations, simple policies can spell a number of benefits, including reducing environmental impact, controlling costs, and driving desired outcomes.

In the IT sector especially, outdated management practices can hold back business outcomes and exacerbate wasteful activities that hinder sustainability practices from fostering. Instead, Gordon Brownell, CEO at Blue Connections IT, called on businesses to adapt to the modern approaches.

“One of the most overlooked aspects of sustainable IT is how companies handle surplus or end-of-life technology. Recycling is an essential part of any sustainability strategy, yet it should be the last resort,” Brownell said.

“The focus should be on reuse, redistribution, and resale wherever possible. For example, businesses can collaborate with social enterprises to provide viable technology to benefit underprivileged communities, schools, and non-profit organisations while minimising the environmental impact of e-waste.”

Simple fixes such as strategic asset recovery, refurbishment, and resale can transform these previously disregarded tools into a cost-saving strategy for better business outcomes – while simultaneously fostering environmental responsibility throughout an organisation.

To achieve this balance of environmental alignment and financial benefits, Brownell claims that sustainability must be embedded into daily endeavours.

“Sustainability must be embedded in everyday IT operations, beyond procurement and disposal. Organisations that adopt reusable and secure packaging solutions can significantly reduce waste,” Brownell said.

“For example, using durable, returnable shipping crates instead of single-use cardboard packaging cuts down on landfill contributions and lowers overall logistics costs. Small adjustments like these create long-term environmental and financial benefits.”

Organisations that embed sustainability into IT decisions as well as everyday practices are also better positioned to attract younger workers, customers, and partners who prioritise responsible business practices.

“Companies must shift their mindset to integrate sustainability into IT management successfully. Businesses should recognise sustainability as an opportunity to drive efficiencies, reduce risks, and differentiate themselves in the market instead of a mere box-ticking exercise,” Brownell said.

“Companies can extend sustainability throughout their supply chain by selecting IT suppliers that share their commitment to reducing environmental impact, whether that’s through recycled materials, low-power consumption designs, or e-waste management solutions.”

According to Brownell, businesses that prioritise implementing sustainability practices into IT not only contribute to ethically improving the planet but also better align themselves with workers, customers, and clients in an ever-competitive market.