How do you measure and report IT sustainability performance?

1 Why IT sustainability matters

IT sustainability is not only about reducing the carbon footprint of your IT operations, but also about creating value for your stakeholders, customers, and society. IT sustainability can help you achieve competitive advantage, innovation, and resilience in a changing world. It can also help you comply with regulations, standards, and expectations from various groups. By conducting an IT sustainability audit, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, set targets and priorities, and monitor your progress.

2 How to conduct an IT sustainability audit

An IT sustainability audit can be done in different ways, depending on your scope, resources, and objectives. However, a common approach is to use a framework that covers the main aspects of IT sustainability, such as energy consumption, waste management, procurement, lifecycle management, and social responsibility. A framework can help you define your scope, collect data, analyze results, and communicate findings. Some examples of frameworks are the Green IT Maturity Model, the IT Sustainability Assessment Tool, and the IT for Sustainability Index.

3 How to measure IT sustainability performance

To measure your IT sustainability performance, you need to define and track relevant indicators that reflect your impact and progress. Indicators can be quantitative or qualitative, and they can be related to inputs, outputs, outcomes, or impacts. For example, you can measure the energy efficiency of your IT equipment, the amount of e-waste you generate or recycle, the sustainability criteria you use for purchasing IT products and services, or the social benefits you create through your IT projects. You can use tools such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the EPEAT Registry, or the Global Reporting Initiative to help you measure and report your indicators.

4 How to report IT sustainability performance

To report your IT sustainability performance, you need to communicate your results and achievements to your stakeholders, customers, and society. You can use different formats and channels, such as reports, dashboards, websites, or social media. You can also use standards and frameworks, such as the ISO 14000 series, the Global Reporting Initiative, or the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, to ensure the credibility, transparency, and comparability of your reporting. Reporting your IT sustainability performance can help you showcase your leadership, improve your reputation, and engage your audience.

5 How to improve IT sustainability performance

To improve your IT sustainability performance, you need to take action based on your audit results and feedback. You can implement best practices, such as optimizing your IT infrastructure, adopting cloud computing, using renewable energy sources, applying circular economy principles, or promoting digital inclusion. You can also set goals and targets, such as reducing your carbon emissions, increasing your recycling rate, or achieving a certification or recognition. You can also collaborate with your partners, suppliers, and customers, to create synergies and share best practices.

6 How to integrate IT sustainability into your IT strategy

To integrate IT sustainability into your IT strategy, you need to align your IT vision, mission, and objectives with your organizational sustainability strategy. You can use frameworks, such as the Balanced Scorecard, the IT Strategy Map, or the IT Capability Maturity Framework, to help you define and align your IT strategy. You can also use tools, such as the SWOT analysis, the PESTEL analysis, or the Porter's Five Forces analysis, to help you assess your internal and external environment. By integrating IT sustainability into your IT strategy, you can create value for your organization and society, and ensure the long-term success of your IT activities and assets.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?