Simon Thomas, Group ESG Lead, at Ikonic, talks in UC Advanced March magazine on the steps Ikonic have taken, and take every day, to put sustainability at the heart of their operations.
At Ikonic, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a core value that drives everything we do. Our commitment to sustainability began in 2021, when we took bold steps to become carbon neutral. It wasn’t just about ticking a box; we wanted to set a new standard in the IT distribution sector and meet the growing expectations surrounding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. As our customers and suppliers increasingly demanded sustainability in every facet of their operations, we knew we had to lead by example.
We knew that to truly make a difference, we needed the right expertise. So, we partnered with environmental experts to create actionable, research-driven strategies that would not only align with our sustainability goals but also help our customers achieve theirs. By embedding sustainability into our products and processes, we’ve been able to support our clients in their own ESG journeys.
The issue of sustainability is no longer a distant concern; it’s a global crisis that requires immediate action. The traditional take-make-dispose model of consumption is no longer viable. Our planet’s resources are finite, and we’re already seeing the consequences of overconsumption. Take Earth’s Overshoot Day, for example, a date that marks when humanity has exhausted the Earth’s renewable resources for the year. In 2025, this day will fall in July, and it’s estimated that we now need 1.75 Earths to sustain our current way of life.
At Ikonic, we believe that change starts with us. Our own journey toward a positive environmental impact has been challenging but rewarding. From achieving carbon neutrality through initiatives like tree planting, mangrove restoration, and sea kelp cultivation, to developing a comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plan, we’ve taken decisive steps to reduce our environmental footprint. We’re also aiming for net-zero emissions by 2038, with an initial 6.2% reduction in CO2 emissions per employee since 2021, which already surpasses our emissions reduction target by 2%.
However, sustainability isn’t just about internal practices; it’s about creating a ripple effect across our entire ecosystem. That’s why we’ve focused on influencing our stakeholders, which is what’s known in ESG terms as Scope 3 emissions. This includes everything from switching to green electricity suppliers to working with logistics partners that operate electric vehicles. We’ve also collaborated with both new and existing suppliers to build sustainability into every aspect of our business.
One of the most significant milestones in our sustainability journey has been the evolution of our procurement strategy. We’ve shifted toward sourcing products that are designed with sustainability at their core, ensuring that our resellers and their end-users have access to environmentally friendly technology solutions. This new approach has empowered our partners to make more sustainable choices and, ultimately, reduce their own environmental impact.
Introducing BSI-Refurbished Sustainable Technology
Our commitment to sustainability has also driven us to champion refurbished technology. As demand for refurbished products continues to grow, we’ve been certified by the British Standards Institute (BSI) for the quality of our refurbishment process. These products, including laptops from major brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo, offer an exceptional environmental impact. For example, a typical BSI-Refurbished laptop saves 275kg of CO2 emissions compared to manufacturing a new one. It also conserves 95,696 litres of water and prevents a used laptop from entering the growing e-waste stream.
With a 2-year warranty, over 140 products to choose from, and savings of up to 60% compared to new devices, our resellers are not only delivering sustainable products but also benefiting from attractive margins. It’s a win-win for the planet and for business.
Sustainable Charging Solutions: A Game Changer
Our efforts to expand our sustainable offerings didn’t stop with our BSI-Refurbished technology. We’ve also partnered with Power Technologies to bring sustainable charging solutions to market. Their innovative range of cabinets, trolleys, and lockers has made a significant impact, especially with their ‘Smart Charge’ technology. This technology prevents overcharging, a common issue that leads to battery degradation and shorter battery lifespans. By charging devices only to their optimal levels, Smart Charge reduces energy wastage and extends the life of devices, ultimately saving costs and minimising environmental impact.
B-Corp Certified Ergonomic Peripherals
When it comes to sustainability, the design of the product is paramount. That’s why we were thrilled when R-Go Tools, a B-Corp certified company, approached us with their line of ergonomic peripherals. Made from 85% recyclable materials, these products not only improve user comfort but are also designed with minimal environmental impact in mind. The fact that R-Go Tools is a certified B-Corp company speaks volumes about their commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
The Future Is Green
As Ikonic continues to grow and evolve, sustainability will remain at the heart of everything we do. Our greening of the product range is a crucial part of our broader strategy, one that seeks to create a more sustainable future for the next generation. Together with our resellers and partners, we can make a tangible difference, reducing our collective carbon footprint and fostering a circular economy that prioritises the planet’s well-being. The future of IT is sustainable, and we’re proud to be leading the charge.
