‘We want to focus on what we can control’: Westcoast sustainability lead on green opportunity

Andrea Bowyer talks about the road to net zero, circular economy, and the economic opportunity of sustainability

While some companies might be neglecting the tide of sustainability, Westcoast plans to ride the wave.

During The Channel Company’s Sustainability in Tech Summit, CRN sat down with Andrea Bowyer, sustainability lead at Westcoast, to discuss the company’s efforts towards a more sustainable future, and the financial opportunity in pursuing one.

Scope 2 in sight

Bowyer tells CRN that despite embarking on its sustainability journey relatively recently (four years ago), Wescoast has already achieved 71 per cent of its Scope 2 targets in terms of renewable energy use across its UK sites.

But the distributor isn’t resting on its laurels.

“We’re in the middle of reviewing energy contracts, so I'm pushing for 100 per cent across the UK, hopefully by the end of the year.”

On the other hand, “Scope 1 is a bit trickier, as it involves gas.

“I've heard of green gas, which comes from a biofuel source, but I’m not yet convinced of its reliability, and I need to investigate.

“We want to focus on what we can control.”

Scope 3 emissions are also 99 per cent outside of the distributor’s control, according to Bowyer – a challenge that many channel firms are chasing, as Scope 3 compliance involves wrangling a complex supply chain that often involves hundreds of firms.

While Westcoast is currently working towards achieving its net zero targets, Bowyer identifies a few trends positively shifting the broader IT channel’s approach to sustainability throughout the broader IT channel.

She says events such as The Channel Company’s Sustainability in Tech Summit are essential in pushing green changes within the industry.

“I don't think there was anything like this before, gathering everybody across the supply chains around a holistic point of view to know what others are doing, get insights, and see the steps we’re taking towards a positive change.”

She also cites Nathaniel Comer’s panel, CEO of Sun Screen IT, which gave the audience the chance to learn more about the benefits and opportunities brought by circular economy.

“The opportunity is there, and people understand that there is money to be made.”

Overcoming challenges

Beyond what the channel has done so far, Bowyer identifies AI as a key changer for the future of sustainability, for the better or worse.

“It's just amazing where things are heading with AI, but it's also quite scary, because in terms of that negative target, it's going to blow out of the water.

“Positive change is ongoing, but now AI has come into play.”

The sustainability also analysed the impact of the shift in political powers over the last few months, and the impact of macroeconomics on the channel.

“When I look at countries like Indonesia with over 250 million people who work so much towards their sustainability goals, I feel like most of the world is actually getting involved.

“There's enough external drive outside of the US with, for example, China currently making incredible efforts.

“They focus on sustainability because it’s the future.

“If you don't focus on it, you're not going to make any money, and you can get left behind.”