Most offices today rely on technology to run smoothly. Enter any workplace and you’ll see laptops, desktops, smart devices, servers, and printers as part of daily business operations. These tools help improve productivity and efficiency. But they do come with a cost that’s far less obvious than the financial one: the environmental.
The digital sector is responsible for around 4.75% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. That includes everything from electricity use to manufacturing and disposal of devices. It’s a growing concern, especially as more entrprises move to cloud services and use connected devices.
For small and mid-sized enterprises in the UK, this is something worth looking at. Reducing emissions doesn’t always mean big changes. Sometimes, it's about smarter decisions, especially when it comes to technology.
London IT Support services can make a real difference here. Working with a trusted provider helps organisations adopt more sustainable practices, while also saving money and improving efficiency.
In this post, we’ll look at practical ways to reduce your IT-related carbon footprint. You’ll see how IT support for business can play a key role in making your tech setup greener and better for your bottom line.
Why IT Matters in Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Enterprises tend to focus on transport or packaging when they think of carbon emissions. But IT systems also play a big part. That’s because every device, server, and network setup uses energy, whether while it is running, or during manufacturing and even disposal.
For SMEs, this might seem like a big-company problem, with only minimal impact on emissions. But that’s not the case. Even a 10-person team using laptops, cloud apps, and remote backups can make a real difference, especially when multiplied across thousands of companies doing the same.
The good news? There are simple steps to cut emissions. And with the guidance of a good IT support partner, it’s easier to find the balance between performance and sustainability. You’ll find that even small changes in your IT setup can reduce your footprint and save money too.
Practical Ways to Make Your IT Setup More Sustainable
You don’t need a full IT overhaul to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are practical, low-friction steps your company can take with help of an IT support for business provider.
1. Use Devices Longer, But Smartly
Many businesses replace laptops and desktops on a fixed cycle. But not all hardware needs replacing every 2 or 3 years. With proper maintenance, devices can often last longer without hurting performance.
An IT support provider can help assess which machines can still be extended. They can also recommend certified refurbished options, which are better for your budget and the planet. In fact, a peer-reviewed scientific study revealed that remanufactured laptops generate over 15 times less CO₂ than new ones.
It’s a smart option for SMEs aiming to reduce emissions without cutting performance.
2. Power Down Unused Devices
Sounds pretty simple, right? But you’d be surprised how many offices leave equipment running overnight or on weekends. Servers, monitors, even wireless routers that aren’t in use can drain energy over time.
Your IT team can help set automated power policies. Devices can be put into sleep mode after 15 minutes of inactivity. Or entire departments can have a shutdown schedule. These are small tweaks that add up with numerous machines and over time.
3. Go Cloud, But Choose Wisely
Cloud services can be more energy-efficient than on-site servers. But not all cloud providers are equal. Some data centres run on fossil fuels. And there are those powered by renewables and designed for energy efficiency.
London IT support providers can facilitate migration to cloud services that align with your sustainability goals. They can also help consolidate apps, reduce storage waste, and improve cloud performance so fewer resources are wasted.
4. Cut Data Bloat
Every email, duplicate file, and backup takes up storage space. And space uses electricity. Multiply that by months, or worse, years of unnecessary data, and the energy impact becomes significant.
Work with your IT support team to run regular audits. Clean up old backups, archive files, and delete what's no longer needed. This practice frees up storage and cuts energy use.
5. Buy Better Tech Products
When purchasing equipment, evaluate the environmental impact of what you’re buying, and not just the specs. Choose vendors with strong sustainability practices, and look for Energy Star-certified products.
Your MSP can help you build a smarter procurement process by prioritising energy efficiency and responsible manufacturing when choosing hardware. It’s a long-term move that saves energy and reduces waste.
6. Ensure Responsible Disposal
Businesses should know that e-waste can contain toxic materials and valuable metals that should be recovered and reused. That’s why old tech doesn’t belong in a skip.
Managed IT providers often work with certified recycling partners. They can help wipe data securely and make sure devices are recycled or donated safely. Some recyclers even offer take-back programs to handle it all for you.
IT Support Helps Drive Sustainable IT
We’ve looked at practices like cloud optimisation, data cleanup, and responsible recycling, all of which can support a more sustainable IT setup. But most teams don’t have the time or resources to manage these on their own.
A trusted London IT support partner can build these into your regular IT processes. That way, sustainable IT becomes part of how your business runs, and not just a one-off initiative.
With the right IT support for business, you can scale your organisation’s growth in a way that balances performance, cost, and environmental impact. And here’s a bonus: you won’t just cut carbon, you’ll likely cut costs, too.
If you're ready to make your IT greener and your operations leaner, now’s the time to start the conversation. Talk to your MSP today.