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The post pandemic world continues to be shaped by digitalisation, whether this is the way we work, shop, or unwind. Similar to the emergence of digitalisation, there has also been an increased focus on sustainability, with the public sector being a frontrunner for this.
Sustainability continues to develop and grow, and this is no different when it comes to IT, as we are seeing first hand a massive uptake in emergency service organisations looking to procure sustainable hardware and software. From an increase in data centres and Cloud Services such as storage and applications, to the utilisation of reconditioned laptops and recycled print cartridges.
In relation to data storage, organisations using their own data centres is an option, however there are more sustainable alternatives that YPO frameworks can support with, such as utilising ‘co-location’. Co-location facilities use green energy sources such as wind farm power, and solar panels to power themselves, as well as state of the art cooling technology to further reduce CO2 emissions.
Another option is the usage of G-Clouds, an even more sustainable data storage option as it uses no physical site. One data centre supplier has recently switched to a more sustainable fuel option, using vegetable oil instead of traditional diesel to fuel its data centre generators.
Our available frameworks support with the design, build and maintenance of data centres, also covering shared colocation facilities and Cloud Services. Offering the best option for your organisation or a hybrid of all these options.
Another way organisations can improve green practise and sustainability is changing the way they purchase and use tech. Many emergency services organisations have already started to do this, for example favouring to use reconditioned and repurposed tech such as laptops and PC’s. Cutting down the usage of equipment such as printers is also a growing trend.
Pre-pandemic, organisations may have had 10, 15 or even 20 printers, however now many favour just one or two. As well we have seen a recent uptake in the use of recycled print cartridges. The tech company, HP have taken this a step further. Due to natural disasters, the country of Haiti cannot drink tap water and are totally reliant on bottled water.
This led to a major increase in the use of plastic waste, to help to try and combat this, HP source all their plastic from wasted plastic bottles in Haiti. The plastic is used to make ink cartridges, which is then recycled back into building road surfaces in the country. Combatting both the plastic waste issue and also contributing into the local economy and communities.
Underpinning all our framework options for IT, is our social value KPIs that are embedded in every procurement. The YPO procurement team have worked to enable SME’s to meet social value goals by facilitating things such as, providing opportunities to work with schools holding career talks. With one supplier running a Dragons Den type event with students, to promote and encourage a knowledge and interest in IT, as well as business acumen and initiative.
If sustainable IT practises is something your organisation is interested in, but you’re not sure where to get started, YPO can support you with implementing a sustainable IT strategy, navigating you through your green transformation journey. Check out our range of framework services – Procurement Frameworks & Services | YPO Frameworks.
The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co located with The Emergency Tech Show on 18-19 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. You can find YPO in Hall 5, Stand F164.
