A charity guide to sustainable technology

When it comes to environmental sustainability, technology contributes both the problem and the solution. While we know that technology can have a hugely beneficial impact on how we tackle the climate crisis, we are also at risk of ignoring its harmful effects, such as the growing problem of e-waste, Research suggests that the UK produces the second largest amount of e-waste – discarded electronic products, such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets – per capita in the world, only behind Norway. 

Technology’s impact on the climate crisis is not something charities, in particular, can ignore. The vast majority of charities (88%) are concerned about the impacts of climate change, according to Charity Digital’s recent survey to gauge the attitudes of the sector towards environmental sustainability. This is similar in proportion to the rest of the UK, 85% of whom reported feeling worried about climate change in 2019.  

Charities are well-aware of the positive impact sustainable technology can have on the environment. More than seven in ten (72%) of charities said digital technology had helped them to become more environmentally sustainable, with the same proportion expecting it to continue doing so in the future. But there is still work to on prioritising sustainable technology in-house – our report revealed that just over half  of charities (56%) currently consider the environmental impact of the technology they used.  

Yet, for charities choosing technology based on its environmental sustainability, they do not have to worry about compromising on functionality. It is a matter of questioning technology partners on environmental impact, encouraging those organisations to make sustainable decisions, and choosing greener tech solutions where possible. It is not the silver bullet for climate change, but it certainly helps.  

The Sustainable Devices for Positive Impact report, from Dell Technologies, sums up the importance of sustainable technology well: “Sustainable devices can’t make an organisation environmentally sustainable on their own. What they can do, however, is help your organisation take a significant step in a more sustainable direction.” 

What is sustainable technology? 

Sustainable technology is tech that is considered to be environmentally-friendly, both in production and impact. Sustainable technology prioritises responsible design, materials that are replaceable and recyclable, and being energy efficient, saving users time and money while reducing the tech’s carbon footprint.  

Given the growing emphasis on reducing our carbon footprint globally, most technology companies now have a sustainability strategy available to read on their website, defining the actions they are planning to take to reduce their environmental impact.  Many of these strategies will not be finalised, but instead outlining goals for the future.  

Dell, for example, defines sustainability as “developing technology solutions in ethically and environmentally responsible ways. It also means working with our partners and customers to help them achieve their own sustainability goals.”  

It has committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050, increasing the energy efficiency of its devices, and delivering innovative reuse and recycle programmes, among other initiatives to tackle the climate crisis. 

Dell covers its sustainability policy more fully in its ebook, Sustainable Devices for Positive Impact, outlining why environmental sustainability should matter to its customers and why they are innovating with the environment in mind.  

The impacts of climate change cannot be tackled alone. It requires collaboration across all partners, suppliers, industries, and governments. Charities looking to digitally transform their operations and reduce their environmental impact need not compromise – they are not mutually exclusive goals.  

Looking into sustainable technology, and choosing to invest in that which helps us achieve our mission, is a way of future-proofing our organisations and the planet at the same time.