Industry Voice: How resellers can support customer's sustainability goals

As we get closer to 2030 and Net Zero, many businesses have set sustainability goals and remain committed to delivering on them. For those that are looking to progress their efforts, a significant shift in workplace practices can expedite results.

Real transformation happens when everyone has a sustainability KPI, across sales, marketing, supply chain – the entire end to end process of bringing products and solutions to market. Therefore, to respond rapidly and successfully, business leaders must make sustainability part of everyone's job. That includes channel partners, who are coming under increasing pressure from customers to deliver sustainable technology solutions, while at the same time supporting them as they look to cut costs.

This includes scrutinising technology systems and supply chains, to better understand both their current Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) credentials and where further, positive, impactful changes can be made.

So, how can resellers aid customers in focusing on SI goals, while also saving them money? Helping them to think and plan long-term when it comes to technology, providing lifecycle management services and supporting remote workers with IT that is fit for purpose, can all put customers in a stronger position when it comes to meeting their targets.

Playing the long game

Organisations must empower IT decision makers to think long term, through adequate investment and forward planning. While this may increase their initial costs – to replacing and upgrading hardware or software – it will ultimately save companies money, both when it comes to reputation and complying with regulation. European regulation is particularly tough, with organisations facing serious penalties and fines for non-compliance.

According to a new studyby HP and Oxford Economics, 3 out of 4 leaders believe technology is key to expanding economic opportunity (76%), with AI in particular helping to drive progress towards sustainability and social impact goals (76%). At HP, we believe AI is the technology that can truly move businesses and communities forward when deployed in a responsible, ethical way. Having sustainable technology built into a business also lends companies more trust with their customers, and the ability to attract new business, based on bolstered ESG credentials.

Provide Lifecycle Management Services

With more than 100,000 tonnes of waste electricals currently thrown away every year, according to research from the not-for-profit Material Focus, offering comprehensive lifecycle management services, including recycling, refurbishing, and proper disposal of electronic waste, can help customers manage their IT assets more sustainably and cost-effectively.

An example of this could be enabling businesses to give their end-of-use devices a ‘second life' by easily and securely retiring and repurposing them, helping to drive a more sustainable, circular economy. After all, the longer a device stays in circulation, the more value we get from the carbon emitted in its creation.

HP will be the biggest retailer of second life devices by 2030, redistributing 200,000 refurbished devices last year alone. "Through our HP's Renew programme we are working on different ways to extend the life of devices be it through refurbishment, life extension or other means. The programme also has a charitable arm HP Hope where we offer refurbished HP hardware to charity organisations working to reduce the digital divide".

Support Remote Workers with efficient IT

Providing remote workers with the right IT equipment and tools not only ensures productivity and efficiency, but reduces the costs associated with IT downtime and supports sustainability by minimising commuting and office space requirements. According to HP's Work Relationship Index, workers who have more flexibility in where they spend their working time also have a healthier relationship with their work and are more engaged.

By playing their part to support customers on their sustainability journey in these and many more ways, channel partners can ensure that more companies stay on track and meet those all-important 2030 goals.

This Article is sponsored by HP