Responsible IT Purchasing

Responsible purchasing policies are an excellent way for organizations to begin their Green IT efforts.  For example a company practising responsible purchasing policies set out a comprehensive set of measures that include criteria for purchasing decisions other than price such as whether or not the equipment meets emerging voluntary environmental standards and Energy Star ratings, the manufacturer’s performance in social responsibility, and waste and disposal services provided.  The EPEAT standard (as described previously) provides an important foundation for responsible purchasing policies.  It would be extremely difficult for a small organization to take on the research required to evaluate the full supply chain to determine the responsibility of their products.  In addition they don’t generally have a volume significant enough to require their suppliers to do that amount of research.  The EPEAT standard is essential to the capability of a small organization to implement responsible purchasing programs. 

Fortunately manufacturers recognize that IT buyers still consider price to be the most significant aspect of and in order to remain competitive are not able to charge a significant premium.  A study of IT procurement staff indicated that 52% are willing to pay 5-10% more for green products and services.  So while there is growing support, there is only a small margin for price premiums.  On a $1000 system, this represents only $50 - $100 more.  The Climate Savers Computing Initiative organization estimates the premium on energy-efficient systems to less than $30 per system and that this will be eliminate once production volumes have been reached¹.  By contrast, 75% said they would choose a green vendor over a non-green vendor if prices were the same.  This clearly is an area of competitive advantage for companies that are able to produce an image of ‘green’².

Organizations can also find more information about responsible purchasing through the Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN)³.  The RPN publishes guidelines for many common office purchases including computers, lighting, office equipment, paint and paper among others.  With respect to computers, the RPN is recommending using the EPEAT-registered products.

Resources

1. Climate Savers Computing Initiative website www.climatesaverscomputing.org, [Online] Available November 2007

2. “Green IT at a Premium”, Industry Week/IW; Nov2007, Vol. 256 Issue 11, p45-45, 1/8p

3.  Responsible Purchasing Network http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/