FEATURE: SUSTAINABILITY hardware refreshes, cooling costs and waste from decommissioned equipment.
4. Transform end-user devices: From laptops to printers, end-user hardware makes up a significant slice of IT-related emissions and e-waste. CIOs should explore how to optimise the number of end-user devices in use and extend their lifespan. This will minimise power usage and reduce expenditure on new devices. Other options that deliver similar benefits are adopting thin clients and a Bring Your Own Device( BYOD) policy, avoiding expensive equipment refreshes and reducing environmental waste.
5. Empower staff to work remotely: While IT contributes significantly to emissions, it also enables remote work, virtual collaboration and smarter resource management. CIOs can replace power-hungry PCs with a different approach to end-user computing. For example, deploying virtual desktop solutions offers the same performance and experience from home as in the office, but with significantly lower power use even when running demanding programmes. It can also reduce transport emissions from commuting.
6. Review supply chain sustainability: Under the CSRD, organisations will need to report on indirect emissions within their supply chain. Although the regulation has a phased introduction until 2029, it’ s worth evaluating suppliers sooner rather than later. Revising policies for technology sourcing is a fast and effective way for CIOs to start reducing tech carbon emissions. Opting for IT suppliers with robust sustainability credentials, such as carbon neutral certification, solutions powered by renewable energy and the ability to provide accurate Scope 3 data, will deliver immediate impact to decarbonising supply chains.
The CIOs moment to lead
Sustainable IT isn’ t just a way to appease regulators or boost the annual report’ s ESG page. It should be a core business priority and central to any strategy that aims to achieve long-term growth, build stakeholder trust and achieve environmental accountability. For CIOs, now is the time to partner with the board and business function leaders to embed sustainability into every aspect of technology transformation. CIOs taking this collaborative approach are two times more likely to succeed.
The practical steps are clear. The tools, strategies and tech partners are ready today. What’ s required is leadership and the willingness to drive change that delivers for both the planet and the enterprise. p
FOR CIOS, NOW IS THE TIME TO PARTNER WITH
THE BOARD AND BUSINESS FUNCTION LEADERS TO EMBED SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY ASPECT OF TECHNOLOGY
TRANSFORMATION.
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