This afternoon, CRN unveiled 13 winners at its second annual Tech Impact awards, presented by Philippa Forrester.
They were picked by our panel of judges, who were divided into three groups to ensure they weren't marking any entries from within their peer group.
Who prevailed? See below for a full list of the winners.
Sustainable Product/Service of the Year
The victor in this hotly contested category put together an "impressive award application" that showcased its ability to extend the lifecycle of IT hardware, according to our judges. The ability of its latest laptop to allow users to easily exchange, upgrade or replace components was branded a "game changer" by one…
Winner: Prime Computer, PrimeBook Circular
Sustainable Solution/Service of the Year
The winner of this heavily entered category drew plaudits for its sustainability app, which the judges variously branded "clever", "smart" and "a great tool for local authorities". They felt its decision to focus on its core public sector market, and on aligning its offering with Microsoft's technology, was also a shrewd move…
Winner: Phoenix Software Ltd
Social Impact Customer Project of the Year
Highly commended: Epson UK
In the words of one judge, the winner of this category played a part in a project that is "changing the lives of countless children". Another judge lauded the project's "clear environmental as well as societal benefits".
For their work in helping to create an off-grid media lab in a South African secondary school, the award goes to….
Winner: Clevertouch and Interactive AV Solutions
Sustainable Customer Project of the Year
The winner of this category drew praise for highlighting how IoT technology can help local authorities cut carbon emissions. The judges also liked how the project could be easily ‘rinsed and repeated' with other LEAs.
Winner: North - Lighting up the City of Aberdeen
Non-profit Initiative of the Year
The winner of this category made one of the judges "draw breath", while another said they could not think of a better example of a company which puts good causes at the core of their business by donating 10% of profits to charity.
Winner: Sumillion Ltd
Sustainable Partnership of the Year
The winner of this category won praise for its success in building a community of IT and tech-oriented companies who are committed to decarbonising their businesses. It already has more than 200 members, with a three-year goal of garnering 2,500 signatories. One judge said it had "created a ripple effect across the channel".
Winner: TechiesGoGreen
Clean Energy Leader of the Year
The winner in this category used its entry to showcase how two large-scale solar farm installations at its UK and German HQs are contributing towards its 2040 net zero goal.
Winner: Computacenter
Sustainability Unsung Hero
Highly commended: Jack Gomarsall, N2S
We asked CRN readers to get in touch with short messages of support for the nine finalists in this new category. The winner garnered testimonials from no fewer than seven of his firm's channel partners. Lauded by the judges for the passion he has shown in spreading sustainability best practice across the channel, the winner is…. Steve Haskew. Congratulations, Steve.
Winner: Stephen Haskew, Circular Computing
Circular Economy Company of the Year
Highly commended: Circular Computing
The winner of this category won plaudits for using academic research to challenge the notion that new is best. The judges agreed that it is a true circular economy champion with an offering extending well beyond just disposal.
Winner: Techbuyer
Sustainability Evangelism Award
In recognition of his tireless efforts to bang the sustainability drum day in day out at CRN conferences, vendor and distributor webinars, government events, regional and national media and global climate conferences, CRN is delighted to honour this person with a special award for Sustainability Evangelism.
Winner: Andy Gomarsall MBE
Sustainable Vendor of the Year
The winner of this category was praised for starting early on its sustainability journey and for its transparency around its net zero targets. One judge commented that its emphasis on putting purpose before profit as one of the UK tech sector's few B Corporations was enough to seal its victory alone...
Winner: Zen
Sustainable Distributor/Channel Services Provider of the Year
Highly commended: DataSolutions
The winner of this category earned plaudits for its rigorous approach to carbon reduction, not just in 2022 but over its lifetime, and for driving sustainability awareness across the industry. The judges were also impressed by its pursuit of B Corporation status, an accreditation it officially received just last week.
Winner: QBS Software
Sustainable IT Solutions Provider of the Year
Highly commended: Jigsaw24
The winner of this flagship category was praised for its ‘credible, objective and real' approach to tackling sustainability. The judges also commended the entry itself, which laid out how it is approaching sustainability from the perspective of internal action, supply chain and customer solutions.
