Almost two-thirds (63%) of UK channel businesses haven’t set any net-zero goals, according to a snapshot survey carried out by IT and security services distributor DataSolutions.
The survey questioned 134 UK channel partners, as well as over 244 UK end-user IT decision makers, about their plans around sustainability.
The data showed that the UK channel is taking steps to begin its sustainability journey, said DataSolutions.
A majority of respondents (both channel and end-user) worked for companies that are actively pursuing both an ESG (environmental, social and governance) strategy and carbon reduction plan.
The poll showed 60% of channel firms had an ESG strategy in place, compared with 63% of end-user respondents. An even higher proportion worked for organisations that harbour “firm plans” to reduce their carbon emissions (65% of channel respondents and 68% of customers).
But only 37% of the channel and 34% of customers have set an actual carbon-neutral or net-zero goal. Carbon reduction and emissions targets are what the ongoing COP26 climate conference in Glasgow is all about.
“More action is needed, and we must all keep striving for change,” said Michael O’Hara (pictured), group managing director at DataSolutions. “Climate change is real and affects us all. We all need to play an active part in slowing it down and I urge the channel to lead from the front on sustainability.”
In March 2021, DataSolutions announced its commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2022.
It has moved its ERP system and other corporate applications to the cloud, bought electric cars and charging points, and has cut down business travel and encouraged working from home. It has also installed solar panels on premises and replaced a gas burning office heating system with a heat pump system.
