News in the Channel - issue #20

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

A defined sustainability agenda Public sector organisations expect IT suppliers to support their sustainability goals and follow their standards. To help guide IT suppliers towards becoming more sustainable and meet the sustainable standards of government contracts, the Greening Government policy paper sets out the business rules that suppliers should follow. It requires IT suppliers to have science-based net zero targets, carbon mitigation and adaptation strategies, and circular IT policies and strategies. IT suppliers must also design products for durability, ease of maintenance and recycling. The public sector’s commitment to sustainability is clear. It is therefore crucial that suppliers continuously review and adapt processes to ensure they meet carbon reduction targets. As mentioned, this extends beyond the capabilities of solutions and services. Instead, there must be an unwavering commitment to sustainability throughout the entire business; embedding sustainable practices at every operational level and ensuring they are integrated into the wider supply chain. There is a huge opportunity for the IT channel to be the frontrunners in sustainable engagement but there must be a mindset shift – in those who make key decisions within

bids and those bidding. Ultimately, monetary savings cannot be sought at the expense of long-term environmental sustainability. Focus on sustainability is here to stay Undoubtedly sustainability will continue to be a key component of the public sector’s agenda in the future. This shift in focus is reflective of the challenge on a global scale and for the UK to meet its sustainability targets the public sector must lead the way. Chris Howes, chief digital information officer at Defra stated: “ICT and digital services are increasingly held up as a key component of any solution to the global climate crisis and associated targets and goals.” The enduring focus on sustainability is here to stay. This means the time to be taking continuous action and being visibly conscious of maintaining and improving sustainability is now. As we continue to refine our ability to collect and analyse data, sustainable initiatives and practices will seamlessly integrate into the core operations of public sector entities and permeate throughout the broader supply chain. It is therefore crucial that resellers, along with the entire supply chain, demonstrate an unwavering commitment to sustainability, from product development right through to procurement practices and technology utilisation.

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There is a huge opportunity for the IT channel to be the frontrunners in sustainable engagement but there must be a mindset shift – in those who make key decisions within bids and those bidding.

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