When we talk about sustainability in business, the usual suspects come to mind. Recycling bins in the office, switching to LED lighting, or even installing a few solar panels. But one major factor often slips under the radar: your IT setup. Surprisingly, outdated laptops, servers, and networking gear could quietly undermine your environmental efforts. That’s where ICT equipment leasing, or finance, steps in as a smart, sustainable solution.
Leasing allows businesses to access modern, energy-efficient technology without the hefty upfront cost. Also, without the environmental burden of hanging on to aging, power-hungry devices. If you’re serious about reducing your carbon footprint and future-proofing your operations, it’s time to take a closer look at how your ICT strategy stacks up.
The Environmental Cost of Aging IT
The ICT sector accounts for an estimated 2–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. And it’s not only about carbon. Old, inefficient IT equipment drains power and gobbles up natural resources. It is also responsible for creating a staggering amount of electronic waste.
Let’s look at some of the key environmental impacts of legacy IT infrastructure:
- E-Waste Explosion: The world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2023 alone. That’s a 21% increase in five years, and only about 22% of it is properly recycled.
- Inefficient Energy Use: Data centres and older hardware systems are notoriously power-hungry. These contribute heavily to emissions and electricity bills.
- Finite Resources: Significant amounts of rare earth metals and water are required for manufacturing ICT devices. The creation of one smartphone uses up to 12,760 litres of water.
- Low Recycling Rates: Despite growing awareness, 89% of organisations recycle less than 10% of their old IT equipment.
Outdated tech isn’t just slowing down your systems; it’s dragging your sustainability efforts backwards.
The Sustainable Advantage of ICT Equipment Leasing
Upgrading to energy-efficient ICT systems is a smart move, but let’s face it — it’s not always affordable upfront. ICT equipment leasing offers a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative. This allows businesses to modernise their infrastructure while aligning with green goals.
Here’s how leasing supports sustainability and smarter financial planning:
1. Access to Efficient Tech Without Upfront Investment
With leasing, businesses can upgrade to the latest energy-saving devices without the capital outlay. Newer laptops, servers, and networking gear can be up to 60% more efficient than models from just five years ago. This helps companies reduce both their carbon footprint and electricity bills.
Spreading costs through monthly payments also means businesses can keep their tech current without compromising cash flow. This is essential in today’s budget-conscious climate.
2. Support for the Circular Economy
ICT equipment leasing encourages reuse and responsible disposal. At the end of a lease term, devices can be returned for refurbishment, resale, or certified recycling. This approach reduces landfill waste, extends product lifecycles, and cuts down on raw material extraction. These are all core principles of a circular economy.
For technology resellers, this creates ongoing engagement opportunities. You can help clients refresh equipment regularly while maintaining green credentials.
3. Meet Sustainability Targets and Compliance Standards
As UK businesses work towards Net Zero and adhere to frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative, ICT upgrades play a critical role. Leasing enables faster access to compliant and energy-efficient systems.
Public and private sector contracts increasingly demand proof of sustainability practices. Offering ICT equipment leasing can give you and your customers a competitive edge.
4. Predictable Costs, Preserved Capital
Leasing helps businesses keep monthly costs predictable and manageable. This frees up capital for other green investments. This could be installing office solar panels, launching paperless initiatives, or transitioning to electric vehicle fleets.
It’s not just about saving the planet. It’s also about running a leaner, more efficient business.
Powering the Next Generation of Green IT
Technology resellers are in a powerful position to lead this shift. By offering sustainable tech solutions backed by flexible financing, you’re not just selling equipment; you’re helping businesses take meaningful steps toward a greener future.
At Lease AV, we specialise in ICT equipment leasing that makes sense for both the planet and your clients’ bottom lines. From energy-efficient desktop solutions to cloud-ready infrastructure, our finance options are designed to support smarter upgrades, reduce environmental impact, and drive lasting value.
Let’s make green IT the norm, not the exception.
Want to support your customers in reducing emissions, managing costs, and future-proofing their IT setup?
Contact us today to explore ICT equipment leasing solutions that deliver for business and the environment.