In today's world, it's more important than ever to focus on sustainability--not just because your customers and employees expect it, but because it's the smartest way to stay efficient. But can sustainability extend to your hardware and software investments?
For today's tip, we'll cover sustainable technology and how to leverage it in your office.
Perspectives on Sustainable Technology
When it comes time to choose and implement sustainable office technology, you need a way to guarantee buy-in--and not just from company leaders. Consider these key perspectives:
- Customers: Sustainable technology is good news for customers, even if you're just using it internally. Why? Customers expect you to do all you can to protect the environment--and if that means creating stronger workflows and better experiences for them, well, that's just icing on the cake.
- Employees: As far as technology goes, employees certainly want to know their tools are sustainable and eco-friendly. However, they're likely a bit more concerned with the day-to-day utilization of those tools. They want sustainable technology that's also easy to use, full of the latest features, and capable of making their jobs a little easier.
- Leaders: Your company's leaders want to know that sustainable technology will provide real value. It's difficult to measure ROI from "increased reputation among eco-minded customers," although that's plenty important. Instead, think about how this tech impacts numbers you can measure, such as reduced energy bills or increased productivity.
- IT Teams: You definitely need buy-in from your IT teams when choosing sustainable tech. They'll have insight into what makes sense, what doesn't, and what's really sustainable--so make sure you get their input when planning your investments.
The simple truth is that sustainable technology isn't just choosing tools that claim to be green. You need tools that make you greener just by using them--and that's why it's important to do your research.
Tips for Choosing Sustainable Technology
Ready to choose sustainable tech? Here are some tips to keep you on the right path:
#1: Start Simple
Don't try to tackle your entire tech stack at once. Instead, start by making one or two shifts to more sustainable tools. This helps you get a taste for what to expect--and where to look for ROI and other benefits.
#2: Plan Upgrades
It may seem tempting to scrap your current technology and start from scratch, creating completely green infrastructure--but of course, that's just not realistic. It's better to analyze your current investments and see what's coming up on end-of-life. That way, you can replace outdated tech with greener solutions--all without wasting money you've already spent on existing devices or software.
#3: Look for Efficiency
"Sustainable" can mean lots of things when it comes to "sustainable tech." Keep in mind that you want to protect the environment and your business at the same time--so your best bet is to look for efficiency. For example, devices certified to use less energy aren't just good for Mother Earth; they'll also cut back on your overall energy bill. The same is true for printers that use ink, paper, and toner more effectively.
#4: Think Beyond Tech
It's not just your actual tech--the hardware and software--that need to be sustainable. You also need to think about the workflows, processes, and services built around that tech. Are you taking advantage of toner cartridge and paper recycling programs? Do you have print policies that encourage double-sided printing or using digital solutions where relevant? Are there processes in place for tracking paper, ink, toner, and energy use across all your machines so you can encourage better habits?
#5: Get Help
Managed services such as managed print or managed IT can help you identify wasteful devices, workflows, or practices. Better yet, your provider will work with you to solve those problems--and to keep new inefficiencies from popping up in the future.
In conclusion, sustainable technology is always at your fingertips. All you have to do is choose the right solutions and put them to use in smart ways.
Want more tips on sustainable technology? Contact us today for all the help you need!
