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Nachhaltige IT-Beschaffung
A large part of the environmental impact of a laptop arises before it is switched on for the first time – during raw material extraction and manufacturing. Anyone who procures sustainably therefore starts at the beginning of the lifecycle. This entry explains what sustainable IT procurement means and which criteria have proven their worth. As of: 10/2026.
In brief
Sustainable procurement is purchasing that, besides price and performance, also takes ecological and social criteria into account across the entire lifecycle of a product. For IT hardware, these include durability, repairability, energy consumption, pollutants, fair supply chains and the possibility of reuse. Sustainable IT procurement therefore already plans at the time of purchase how devices will later be erased, resold or recycled.
What does sustainable IT procurement mean?
In English, this is called green procurement or sustainable procurement. It means purchasing that does not stop at the lowest acquisition price. Instead, it looks at what a device costs over its entire period of use and what consequences it has for the environment and people. Economically, the idea behind it is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): a durable, repairable device with a good resale value can be cheaper than a less expensive one that has to be replaced early.
For the public sector, there are express requirements. For example, § 45 of the Circular Economy Act (Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz) obliges federal authorities to give preference in procurement to products that are, among other things, durable, repair-friendly and reusable or made of recycled materials. Public procurement law allows environmental criteria in the service description and award. This entry does not replace legal advice.
Criteria for sustainable IT hardware
| Criterion | How to recognize it |
|---|---|
| Durability | Robust business devices, long warranty, availability of spare parts |
| Repairability and upgradeability | Replaceable battery, exchangeable storage and memory, available repair manuals |
| Energy efficiency | Low consumption in operation and in standby |
| Pollutants and materials | Compliance with substance restrictions, share of recycled materials |
| Social standards | Due diligence in the supply chain, for example for conflict minerals |
| Labels | Independent certificates such as TCO Certified or EPEAT |
| Used instead of new | Refurbished devices (refurbished) for suitable use cases |
| End of use | Take-back, secure erasure, remarketing and professional recycling regulated from the start |
Thinking procurement and decommissioning together
Sustainable procurement does not end with the order. Anyone who uses devices for longer, upgrades them when needed and finally resells them in compliance with data protection extends their lifespan beyond their own inventory. This includes paying attention at the time of purchase to easily erasable data carriers and to the later release from management systems. Ideas for a sustainable IT strategy are provided by the article Sustainable IT: A Future for the Environment and Technology. An honest look at the status quo is taken by the article How green is your IT really?
Rule of thumb: the most sustainable device is often the one that already exists – used for longer or reused after refurbishment.
Sustainable procurement and Second IT
Second IT extends the lifecycle of IT hardware: devices are erased with certification, inspected, repaired, upgraded and remarketed via online shop and store, with a warranty for inspected devices. Companies that decommission receive proof for their ESG reporting. More about the Refurbishment at Second IT.
Frequently asked questions about sustainable procurement
Is sustainable IT procurement more expensive?
Not necessarily. Durable devices often cost more to acquire, but can be cheaper over the period of use and achieve a higher residual value on resale. A consideration of the total costs shows the difference.
Which labels help when selecting IT hardware?
TCO Certified and EPEAT are widespread. They assess criteria such as energy consumption, pollutants, durability and social responsibility in manufacturing. Pay attention to the current version of the criteria in each case.
Do used devices belong to sustainable procurement?
Yes. Refurbished devices save the environmental impact of new production. For many workstations, inspected business devices of the previous generation are sufficient.
What does green procurement mean?
Green or sustainable procurement is the English term for nachhaltige Beschaffung. It means purchasing that does not stop at the lowest acquisition price. The costs over the entire period of use and the consequences for the environment and people are considered.
What requirements apply to the public sector?
Under § 45 of the Circular Economy Act, federal authorities are to give preference to products that are, among other things, durable, repair-friendly and reusable or made of recycled materials. Public procurement law allows environmental criteria in the service description and award.
Reuse decommissioned devices instead of throwing them away.
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