Contributed by Manuel Aguirre, Sr. Manager of Global Sustainability and Bert Schep, Global Commercial Sustainability Solutions Advisor
Earlier this month, TD SYNNEX hosted a sustainability roundtable at EVPS 2024, bringing together key vendors and industry leaders to tackle sustainability issues and find collaborative solutions. Here are some key highlights and messages we discussed:
Sustainability Data
A big focus was on improving the availability and quality of sustainability data, especially product carbon footprints (PCF).
While post-sales data is generally available and less scrutinized, pre-sales data often lacks availability, validation, and comparability. Creating an independent platform to house this data could be a potential game changer.
The Role of Vendors and Distributors in Driving Sustainability
When it comes to sustainability, collaboration across the IT Ecosystem is critical.
Vendors bear the greatest responsibility in agreeing on standards, while distributors play a crucial role in bridging the gap with end-users and conveying their needs to vendors. This teamwork can enhance sustainability across the supply chain.
Carbon Reductions Progress
Looking ahead, one attendee suggested that common, ambitious GHG reduction targets shared by the vendor community may boost decarbonization efforts.
As a distribution leader, we have the opportunity to set an example for others in the channel, inspiring them to follow suit and create a ripple effect throughout the industry.
The Circular Economy
In terms of circular preferences, we agreed it’s important to segment the market. We would then identify environmentally-conscious segments that value life extension and second-hand, while others favor fast replacement cycles as a way to stay updated with the latest devices.
Educating customers about the benefits of circularity is essential, though it requires significant investment. Clear communication around terms like “refurbished” or “remanufactured” is needed to build trust in second-hand products. Ultimately, both organizations and individuals must commit to sustainable practices to drive collective progress.
As a reminder, TD SYNNEX’s sustainability program is dedicated to integrating sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations. Our initiatives focus on reducing carbon emissions, promoting circular economy principles, and fostering a culture of sustainability within our organization and the broader IT ecosystem. We are committed to leading by example, driving innovation, and collaborating with our partners to create a more sustainable future for the IT industry.
Additionally, be sure to watch Manuel join the GTDC Beyond Distribution podcast, where he discusses the impact of sustainability on driving success:
For more information, check our latest Corporate Citizenship Report.
