DTP Group Champions Sustainability in the IT Industry with Expert Insights

DTP Group champions sustainability in IT, urging businesses to integrate eco-friendly practices. Their eight tips include circular IT, energy-efficient technology, green data centres, and sustainable supply chains. The group emphasises reducing environmental impacts through carbon accounting tools, eco-certifications, and tailored client workshops.

The DTP Group, a renowned leader in IT solutions, is urging businesses to address sustainability as a top priority in their IT operations. Recent studies reveal that 75% of UK organisations now rank environmental sustainability among their top three objectives, yet 95% have yet to assess the emissions from their IT departments. This gap highlights the need for actionable strategies to align corporate sustainability goals with measurable outcomes.

Recognising this challenge, DTP Group is sharing their eight expert tips to guide businesses in fostering sustainability within the IT sector.

Gary Smith, Divisional Head of Sales at DTP Group, emphasised the IT industry’s role in shaping sustainable practices:

“At DTP Group, we understand that the IT industry has a critical role to play in driving sustainable change. By adopting practices like circular IT, energy-efficient technology, and optimised data solutions, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence. Our mission is to empower organisations with innovative strategies that align with their sustainability goals, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for all.”

8 expert tips for a sustainable IT landscape

1. Emphasising circular IT practices: Encouraging refurbishment, reuse, and recycling can significantly reduce e-waste. Internally, businesses can partner with organisations such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise Financial Services (HPEFS) to donate old devices. For customers, trade-in programmes and the promotion of refurbished products provide sustainable options.

2. Advocating energy-efficient technology: Businesses are advised to choose cloud and hardware solutions prioritising energy efficiency. Given that data centres account for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, selecting providers with a focus on eco-certifications and low-energy operations is critical.

3. Transitioning to green data centres: Green data centres are designed to minimise environmental impact by using renewable energy and optimised cooling technologies. In the UK, centres like Equinix and Datavita exemplify these standards, providing organisations with sustainable options to meet their climate commitments.

4. Optimising printing solutions: DTP Group recommends managed print services (MPS) to reduce paper and ink usage. Programs like DTP Zero Print offset the carbon footprint of entire printer fleets. Additionally, businesses are urged to adopt paperless policies where possible and recycle printed materials responsibly when printing is unavoidable.

5. Prioritising a sustainable supply chain: Transparency in the supply chain is key. DTP Group advises conducting thorough supplier assessments, focusing on sustainable certifications, renewable materials, and net-zero carbon strategies. Questions such as “Do they offer end-of-life solutions for products?” are vital in evaluating a supplier’s commitment to sustainability.

6. Educating and empowering clients: By developing tailored sustainability workshops, organisations can help clients reduce their IT carbon footprint. Case studies of successful implementations can further inspire and inform.

7. Measuring environmental impact: Businesses are encouraged to use cutting-edge tools to evaluate the environmental footprint of their IT solutions. Examples include carbon accounting tools like the SBTi Target Setting Tool, energy management software such as Schneider Electric EcoStruxure, and life cycle assessment platforms like OpenLCA.

8. Promoting certifications and standards: Global sustainability certifications, including ISO 14001, provide credibility and clarity for businesses striving to showcase their environmental commitments. Highlighting these certifications in marketing materials builds trust with stakeholders.

About DTP Group

With over 38 years of experience, DTP Group is a leading provider of IT solutions. Their expertise spans managed print services, IT lifecycle management, and hybrid cloud technologies, all with a strong focus on sustainability. By partnering with DTP Group, organisations gain access to tailored services that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and align with environmental objectives.