In a recent episode of “Sustainable IT in Conversation”, Rod Neale, founder and CEO of Circular Computing, hosted Andreas Mayer, CEO of Flex IT, to discuss the evolving landscape of sustainable IT.

The conversation covered topics from societal impacts to corporate responsibility, highlighting the rising demand for circular IT solutions driven by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Mayer, with his experience in the IT sector at companies like IBM, Lenovo, and HP, pointed out the shift towards sustainability in consumer behavior, now common across generations. This shift isn’t just in personal choices but is also influencing corporate strategies through ESG reporting and goals.

A key point of their discussion was the vital role of government regulations in encouraging sustainable practices. These regulations are shaping corporate actions and supporting the circular economy by promoting the reuse and refurbishment of IT equipment. Mayer emphasized the need for clear standards in the refurbished IT market to ensure quality and build consumer trust, essential for the industry’s growth.

Neale and Mayer talked about how CIOs can include refurbished products in their procurement strategies to combine financial and sustainability benefits. Mayer also mentioned how promoting the advantages of circular IT internally could boost employee engagement and help meet sustainability goals.

In conclusion, the episode offered a hopeful and realistic view of the IT industry’s move towards sustainability. It stressed the importance of collaboration, strong standards, and innovative strategies to create a sustainable and economically viable IT ecosystem. As the industry evolves, maintaining quality and trust in refurbished products will be crucial for a greener future.