Technology original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are in a unique position to set the standard for environmental sustainability. There are opportunities for incremental improvement, bold innovation and new revenue streams throughout the product lifecycle — many of them quite profitable. As sustainability continues its march from fringe interest to widespread preference and codified law, those opportunities will proliferate. Savvy OEMs that build sustainability into their product designs, manufacturing processes, supply chains and end-of-life considerations will set themselves apart from their competitors and set themselves up for future success — while also helping to create a better world for us all.
As your sustainability efforts accelerate, however, beware of the temptation to greenwash your endeavors. With increasing scrutiny of companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities, this isn’t the place to fake it ‘til you make it — even with the best intentions. Today, 95% of large companies publish ESG reports. If an organization is stretching the truth, somewhere down the line people will notice. Reputations, customer relationships and the organization’s ability to attract talent and investors may suffer the consequences — and, of course, so will the environment. A promise to improve sustainability doesn’t mean much if it’s not backed up by a realistic strategy and tangible actions.
One concrete step an IT OEM can take is to utilize sustainable supply chain management and logistics. A good place to start is by asking, “How does my supply chain contribute to (or detract from) my ESG goals?” A jaw-dropping 87% of carbon emissions in logistics are driven by transportation, which makes proximity to materials and markets paramount, along with the choice of conveyance. But there are other actions that can move the needle as well. For instance:
Adopting the tenets of a circular economy helps, too. An antidote to the “take-make-waste” linear economy, a circular economy centers on the desire to keep materials, parts and products in circulation and out of landfills for as long as possible. It begins with next-use thinking during the design phase. Consider the following questions while brainstorming product design:
Additionally, depot repair services encourage asset recovery and reuse while keeping parts and products from adding to the world’s growing e-waste crisis. Compliant, responsible IT asset disposition maximizes the value of technology by ensuring products are disposed of properly.
Now that you know what you need to do, how do you commit to it and follow through? Reshaping your business model to incorporate sustainability as a key driver burnishes your reputation. But reshaping your business model in the first place can be a challenge in itself. Outsourcing services to a partner who complements your own areas of expertise can help free up critical funds, resources and team members to instead dedicate toward advancing your ESG strategy and other core initiatives.
Services ripe for outsourcing to an experienced partner include supply chain management, global field services, repair services and IT asset disposition, along with many others. Partners who share your commitment to sustainability can help you assess, develop and deploy a workable ESG model that incorporates:
Look for a partner who offers the right combination of these capabilities, along with an enhanced line of sight and leadership aligned to your ESG aspirations — those you’re working toward today as well as those on the horizon. They should also be as devoted to their own sustainable practices as they are to yours. “You’re judged by the company you keep” is as true in business as it is in life. And with ESG soon to be among the top three factors driving IT equipment purchasing decisions, it’s wise to heed that advice.
The global economy often seems at odds with sustainability. Materials are sourced here; components are built there. Finished goods are produced in yet another far-flung location and then shipped all over the world. As a long-time participant in the global technology ecosystem, Shyft Global Services’ commitment to a healthy planet starts with our own processes and extends to the comprehensive services we provide for our customers and their customers. Shyft is dedicated to leading the way through ESG best practices for technology and IT services centered on:
Partnering with a company that shares your commitment to the betterment of society improves your ability to affect meaningful change. As your ESG journey evolves, Shyft’s comprehensive suite of end-to-end technology lifecycle services and global team of sustainability-minded service experts are dedicated to helping you participate effectively in the circular economy and solve sustainable IT challenges, such as sourcing materials responsibly, minimizing e-waste and reducing carbon emissions.
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