The channel orgs that marked sustainability milestones this year

As sustainability fell on the priority list in boardrooms, these channel firms kept up the good work

For a year in which sustainability slipped quietly down the corporate agenda, 2025 still delivered no shortage of progress from the channel’s most proactive players.

While wider market uncertainty saw many firms hit pause on long-term climate plans, a handful of VARs and distributors continued to notch up validations, early-stage net-zero wins and new circular-economy schemes.

From SBTi-approved targets to device-takeback milestones, these organisations proved that momentum hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply being driven by those prepared to keep investing when the spotlight dims.

Bechtle

Bechtle’s net-zero goals were given the thumbs up in October by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to a 90 per cent reduction across Scope 1 and 2 by 2050.

For Scope 3.1 (emissions from the purchased goods and services) and Scope 3.11 (emissions from the use of sold products) the German VAR aims to cut emissions by 97 per cent per €1,000 (£869.5) of value creation.

Bechtle will neutralise any remaining emissions through what it referred to as “credible carbon removal measures”.

By 2030, the company aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 54.4 per cent and cut Scope 3.1 and Scope 3.11 emissions by 55 per cent per €1,000 of value creation.

All targets are using 2019 as the starting point.

“This second validation shows that we’re not just setting ambitious targets, but also aligning them consistently with recognised scientific standards,” said Antje Leminsky, COO of Bechtle.

“It sends a clear signal of our commitment to sustainable business practices across the entire value chain.”

Logicalis

Logicalis met its sustainability goals ahead of schedule in FY25.

The number 81 ranked Top VAR reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions by ten per cent from a 2022 baseline, reaching 3,824tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent), compared to 4,005tCO2e in FY24 and 4,271tCO2e in 2022.

Total scope 1 emissions stood at 899tCO2e in FY25, and total scope 2 emissions at 2,925tCO2e.

Looking ahead, it aims to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions 50 per cent by FY30 from an FY22 basis.

The achievement was reached thanks to the adoption of renewable energy, the purchase of verified carbon offsets, and the implementation of carbon and energy reduction plans by country of operation.

This feat came ahead of schedule, as the company planned to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2025, compared to FY25, which ended in February this year for the organisation.

By 2050, it intends to decrease scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 emissions 90 per cent.

SCC

SCC launched two new initiatives this year to drive sustainability across the channel.

The number seven ranked Top VAR announced its partnership with carbon emission data solutions provider Rejoose in March to provide better emissions insights.

The deal saw SCC integrate Rejoose’s lifecycle carbon reporting capabilities to provide emissions insights across the VAR’s IT supply chain.

This also allowed SCC to provide transparent Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions data across its supply chain to support firms in aligning their sustainability goals with CSRD, CDP, and EU Taxonomy regulations.

The second launch was a new scheme supporting clients in transitioning to Windows 11 through its IT asset disposal (ITAD) and device recycling programme Recyclea.

The initiative aims to make it easier to retire IT devices, by increasing capital release against core laptop and smartphone models, simplifying device removal processes, and enhancing grading standards to increase reusability.

Grey Matter

Grey Matter partnered with sustainability educator Fifty Shades Greener to develop its first ESG report and sustainability strategy.

The collaboration has five long-term goals.

It will aim to reduce the VAR’s energy and carbon emissions by measuring, managing, and monitoring its energy needs from its built environment, business travel, and employee commuting.

The deal also aims to shrink Grey Matter’s carbon footprint and compose a plan to transition to renewable energies for all its facilities.

The circular economy will also play a key role in Grey Matter’s ESG ambitions, striving to conduct fully lifecycle assessments (LCA) of all sourced hardware, promote responsible e-waste management in its offices, and educate vendors and clients on best practices for sustainable disposal and recycling of ICT equipment.

In terms of data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI, the Devon-based company will commit to upholding data privacy alongside AI adoption, ensuring robust cybersecurity frameworks, constantly reviewing AI use cases, and maintaining compliance with GDPR and other relevant data protection laws.

The firm also intends to double down its effort on the S in ESG, by measuring its position in DEI, reviewing and boosting DEI policies, as well as leveraging assistive technologies to create an inclusive digital environment.

Finally, it will seek to engage in responsible sourcing, collaborate with selected vendors, and develop a supplier’s code of ethics to prevent any human rights infringement in the supply chain.

The distributors

TD SYNNEX

Another overachiever in the list is TD SYNNEX, which reached its 2030 climate targets ahead of schedule this year.

The distributor met its SBTi validated 2030 Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets early, cutting emissions by nearly 43 per cent since 2022.

The firm attributed the results to the increase in its renewable electricity consumption and emissions reduction initiatives, which have lowered the intensity of its emissions per unit of total revenue.

TD SYNNEX will continue to pursue net-zero GHG emissions across the supply chain by 2045.

Around the circular economy, the distie recovered over one million devices through takeback services from TD SYNNEX Renew since FY2021, redistributed $175m in manufacturer-renewed and excess new products via PCW, and returned over 1,000 metric tons of repaired product to service via Shyft Global Services in FY2024.

Westcon-Comstor

Westcon-Comstor was awarded a B rating from climate body Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) in February, signifying the distie has been recognised as a company that tackles the environmental impacts of its business and ensures good environmental management.

It ranked highly on industry collaboration and public policy engagement, environmental policies, and both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which include pollutant releases from sources the organisation causes directly, and emissions from where the firm purchases its energy.

Westcon said it is still working with partners and vendors to reduce its Scope 3 emissions, those not directly controlled by a company but part of its wider value chain.

Last year, the distie achieved its 100 per cent renewable electricity milestone in the UK, as well as its full transition to renewables in the UK, six years before its 2030 deadline.

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