Why sustainability in IT is not just a trend, but a must

Sustainability is often perceived as a buzzword that has found its way into various industries - including IT. But while other trends come and go, it has become clear that sustainable practices in IT are far more than just short-term hype. They are an absolute necessity in order to overcome ecological, economic and social challenges. But why exactly has sustainability become indispensable in IT?

1. Der wachsende ökologische Fußabdruck der IT

The digital revolution has changed the world, but it has also brought with it significant environmental problems. According to studies, the IT and communications sector is responsible for around 2–4% % of global greenhouse gas emissions - and this figure continues to rise. Factors such as the high energy consumption of data centers, the resources required for hardware production and the growing quantities of electronic waste contribute to this.

Electronic waste: a global problem

In 2022, around 200,000 people worldwide were 62 million tons of electrical waste There are 22.3 % of these devices that have been produced, of which only 22.3 have been collected and recycled properly (Global E-Waste Monitor 2024). Outdated hardware often ends up in landfills, where it releases toxic substances such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. A sustainable IT strategy that focuses on repair, reuse, and recycling is therefore essential to minimize this burden.

2. Wirtschaftliche Vorteile nachhaltiger IT

Sustainability is not only good for the environment, but also for the balance sheet. Companies that make their IT sustainable can save considerable costs and achieve long-term competitive advantages.

Extending the service life of hardware

Extending the service life of IT equipment through maintenance, upgrades or professional IT remarketing reduces acquisition costs and the need for new production. Second IT, for example, offers solutions that support companies in this, efficiently resell used IT hardware or prepare them.

Energy efficiency pays off

Optimizing energy consumption - for example by using energy-efficient data centers or switching to cloud solutions - not only lowers electricity costs, but also reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

3. Regulierungen und gesellschaftlicher Druck

More and more governments are putting stricter environmental requirements on companies. Regulations such as the WEEE Directive with their extended manufacturer responsibility (implemented in Germany by the ElektroG) or the EU sustainability reporting (CSRD) make it essential for companies to develop sustainable IT strategies.

Customers and investors are also increasingly demanding sustainable practices. Surveys regularly show a clear majority of consumers that they prefer to buy from companies that take responsibility for their environmental impact. Sustainable IT is therefore also an image factor that creates trust.

4. Innovationspotenzial durch Nachhaltigkeit

Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Companies that focus on sustainable IT benefit from new technologies and approaches such as:

• Circular economyFrom the linear model of "buy, use, throw away" to "use, upgrade, reuse".
• Green ITTechnologies that conserve resources, such as servers with low energy requirements or software solutions for optimizing workloads.
• Cloud computingOutsourcing computing processes to the cloud reduces hardware requirements and energy consumption.

5. Nachhaltigkeit als Wettbewerbsvorteil

Companies that focus on sustainable IT at an early stage position themselves as pioneers. They not only meet regulatory requirements, but also attract talented employees who value responsible action. They can also impress partners and customers with their clear strategy.

For example, the introduction of a certified process for the BSI-compliant data erasure organizations can recycle old devices safely and sustainably - a clear advantage over competitors who do not take such measures.

6. Berichtspflichten: Was sich geändert hat – und was bleibt

With the so-called Omnibus Package in 2025, the EU has postponed the deadlines of the CSRD and significantly reduced the number of companies that are required to report information. In the future, this will mainly affect very large companies. However, this is not a warning for the SME sector: Reporting customers, banks and investors continue to request sustainability data from their business partners. For smaller companies, there is a voluntary standard (VSME) available.

The IT appears in such reports in several places:

• Scope 2: Power for workplaces, servers and data centers.
• Scope 3: Emissions from the manufacturing of purchased devices – often the largest expense for notebooks.
• Waste and the cycle: What happens to decommissioned hardware, whether it is reused or recycled.

For the last point, you need reliable proof. Second IT provides deletion certificates per device, recycling and disposal certificates, as well as an annual individual environmental report. More about this on our page. Sustainability.

Conclusion: The future is green - even in IT

Sustainability in IT is no longer an option, but an obligation. Companies that invest in sustainable practices today will benefit in the long term through lower costs, greater efficiency and a better image. It is time to actively shape change - for a future worth living and an IT that is not only innovative but also responsible.

👉 Want to find out more about sustainable IT strategies and remarketing? Be inspired by how your IT can also become a driver for sustainability.

More on the topic: Scope-3 emissions: Why your IT hardware is included and Choosing an ITAD provider: 12 questions to avoid common pitfalls.

Frequently asked questions about sustainable IT

What is sustainable IT?

Sustainable IT means procuring, operating, and utilizing information technology in a way that least burdens the environment, resources, and people. This includes durable devices, efficient operation using renewable energy, and long lifespan. In the end, reuse precedes recycling. Sustainable IT is thus a task spanning the entire life cycle.

Does my company have to report on the sustainability of its IT?

A legal reporting obligation under the CSRD mainly affects very large companies after the 2025 changes. However, many smaller companies are asked for sustainability data by customers, banks, or investors. IT is a well-measurable area: equipment inventory, lifespan, electricity consumption, and disposal. Clarify the specific scope with your tax or sustainability advisory services.

Which measure brings the most in terms of sustainable IT?

For workplace equipment, longer use has the greatest effect because the majority of emissions occur during production. Next comes the recycling of decommissioned equipment through IT remarketing. In the data center, energy efficiency and green electricity are key factors. By combining these three levers, emissions and costs are reduced simultaneously.