A recent NielsenIQ study found that 78% of consumers value a sustainable lifestyle. Organizations have responded in turn, with Morningstar estimating that 90% are implementing some form of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. More than ever, ESG ratings and reputation are solid evidence in a market flush with greenwashing and exaggeration. ESG stands out as a way to build loyalty among environmentally conscious consumers.
But can solid ESG practices actually make an organization more profitable?
Yes, it turns out there is a strong correlation between ESG and better sales. A 2024 study by Wharton Business School revealed that companies that enhanced their environmental and social responsibilities experienced a 9.2% increase in sales in the subsequent year.
In terms of growth, investors strongly evaluate an organization’s ESG score and certifications as a measure of risk before investing. According to McKinsey, approximately 85% of chief investment officers surveyed consider ESG a significant factor in their investment decisions. Additionally, many organizations will scrutinize another company’s ESG efforts before entering a partnership or executing a merger or acquisition.
The rising awareness of ESG prompts organizations to pursue device lifecycle management services to achieve their sustainability goals. According to Gartner, by 2027, the proportion of PC procurement conducted through PC as a Service is expected to grow to 50%, up from 20% in 2023.
Download the Modern Lifecycle Solutions infosheet to learn more.
Modern Lifecycle Management and ESG
Globally, electronic waste (e-waste) is reaching alarming levels. A new report from the United Nations reveals that in 2022, humans generated 137 billion pounds of e-waste, averaging over 17 pounds per person on Earth. Shockingly, less than a quarter of this waste was recycled. This amounts to approximately $62 billion in recoverable materials, such as iron, copper, and gold, in landfills yearly. If current trends continue, e-waste is projected to increase 33% by 2030, while the recycling rate could drop to just 20%. Additionally, e-waste contains many harmful materials, such as cobalt, mercury, and lead, that can leach into the soil and, ultimately, groundwater.
These statistics highlight an urgent need to reduce electronic waste globally while demonstrating how much money is being left on the table.
ESG provides a framework for responsible disposition and recycling efforts. By choosing to work with an organization like Pomeroy that responsibly handles device acquisition, refurbishment, reselling, recycling, and disposal, your organization can positively impact each ESG category.
How ITAD fits into your ESG plan
IT asset disposition (ITAD) is a part of lifecycle management. ITAD concerns all aspects of technology’s end-of-life management, including data destruction, recycling, repair, refurbishment, and resale.
Although some companies possess the resources to handle ITAD in-house, an IDC report reveals that 43% of organizations do not have the necessary tools to manage circularity in their operations effectively. Working with an outside provider like Pomeroy can help businesses reach their ESG goals in the following areas:
Environmental
ITAD is founded on the circular economy (i.e., the concept of minimizing waste by repurposing or recycling IT equipment). This effort lowers an organization’s carbon footprint by reducing the number of new devices through repurposing or refurbishing. Additionally, initiatives like Pomeroy’s resale program enable organizations to generate a new line of income by sharing the profits of reselling an organization’s used, securely wiped devices.
E-recycling keeps harmful chemicals out of the environment and extends the life of precious metals and materials in devices, which can reduce the need to mine new materials.
Social
Organizations can direct their obsolete devices to the charity or community organization of their choice. Additionally, a business can donate profits from reselling its old devices. Either of these options creates a positive impact on the local community and generates positive press and goodwill.
Governance
An experienced ITAD partner like Pomeroy generates the document trail necessary for regulatory compliance and audits. Additionally, this documentation enables effective tracking of how and when your equipment was securely wiped and where the components were sent.
Also read: Integrity is at the center of all we do
Towards a circular economy
Overall, a well-implemented ESG plan boosts sales because it encourages efficiency. Working with Pomeroy, an experienced ITAD partner, ensures you get the most out of your technology investments even when your devices have outlived their usefulness.
Pomeroy is committed to the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest and most comprehensive sustainability effort. We are dedicated to addressing environmental challenges, driving improvement initiatives, and adopting eco-friendly technologies. As we expand our business footprint, we help achieve a cleaner, safer environment.
As the IT asset disposition partner for many clients, Pomeroy ensures responsible equipment disposal and compliance with government regulations, helping organizations achieve their sustainability objectives. We utilize the EcoVadis platform to manage ESG risks at our facilities, recycle corrugated materials, and prioritize packaging reuse. In recent years, we have reduced water usage and greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing energy efficiency in our facilities. These practices benefit our clients as they work towards net zero scope 2 and 3 emissions (i.e., indirect carbon emissions based on your supply chain).
Pomeroy offers modern lifecycle solutions to support the entire technology lifecycle.
Our asset disposition program keeps your used devices out of landfills by repurposing them for other departments in your organization, reselling or donating them to different organizations, or responsibly recycling the materials. We help you embrace the principles of the circular economy. With 40+ years of delivering workplace solutions, Pomeroy has the know-how to help your team prioritize sustainability without sacrificing innovation.
Get in touch to learn more about how our ITAD services can help you meet your ESG goals.
