Channel leaders shifting sustainability mindset, research finds

Leading global Channel services provider, Agilitas IT Solutions, has launched its Sustainability Report. This guide forms the latest instalment in its Channel Trends campaign, which continues to provide actionable, free-to-view market insights.

Sustainability remains a core focus for businesses across the Channel, with three quarters of respondents scoring 7 out of a maximum 10. Whilst it remains on business agendas, its focus is yet to top the 7.8 out of 10 high seen in 2021. Encouragingly, after a slump in 2022 and 2023, the number of companies setting sustainability as a priority is increasing again.

There is, however, a significant divide in how different roles perceive and act on sustainability. Only 8% of Junior Managers considered sustainability to be a high priority compared to over half of CEOs and Business Owners. Respondents in more senior roles are also more engaged, with 34% of Senior Managers and 37% of CEOs stating they are confident in their organisation’s sustainable practices.

The report highlights the industry is shifting from offsetting to carbon reduction strategies. In 2022, a third of those Agilitas surveyed were investing in offsetting strategies, but today this has dropped to less than a quarter, with Channel firms placing more emphasis on reduction strategies that, when done effectively, can reduce both carbon and cost.

With this in mind, Agilitas asked respondents what reduction strategies their companies had in place. Of those surveyed, 36% had already implemented initiatives to become more sustainable with energy efficiency, streamlining business processes, remote and hybrid working models and working with eco-friendly suppliers highlighted as the key areas of focus. A further 37% were looking to implement strategies within the next 12 months, but over a quarter of recipients were not prioritising any carbon reduction activities in the near future.

Lee Ellams, Head of Marketing at Tieva contributed to the report, commenting on the company’s approach to sustainability and the ways that Channel partners can improve their approach to sustainability. He said, “Partnerships are key to sustainability in the IT Channel, enabling companies to share resources, knowledge, and solutions. Together, they can tackle supply chain emissions, boost energy efficiency, and promote circular economy practices. Suppliers can also adopt green manufacturing and share sustainability data to help integrate these efforts into broader practices, benefiting clients and the ecosystem.”

Another important theme explored in the report was transparency, particularly when considering consistent data collection, clear communication and reporting mechanisms. There is increasing pressure for Channel businesses to log data accurately and regularly to track progress and demonstrate commitment to sustainability efforts. Accurate data collection is also essential to tracking Scope 3 emissions and providing support for customers’ sustainability goals.

Agilitas recognises the challenges related to data accessibility for tracking and reducing carbon footprints, and the company has developed an intuitive digital dashboard. This tool aims to help Channel partners and their customers better understand, track and reduce their carbon emissions with clear, actionable insights.

“Channel companies continue to face a number of challenges and opportunities regarding sustainability. While business leaders are focused on sustainability goals, there is a notable disconnect across organisations which needs to be addressed in order to create a culture of collaboration and innovation,” commented Sara Wilkes, CEO at Agilitas. “We have been no stranger to overcoming challenges throughout our sustainability journey, and the importance of high-quality data collection cannot be underestimated. Ensuring data is accurate, well-logged and reviewed regularly is just the first step. Our Channel Trends report aims to help businesses integrate sustainability into their long-term strategies, both now and in the future.”

In partnership with leading research firm, Censuswide, Agilitas surveyed 250 respondents working in UK-headquartered Channel businesses, with an annual turnover of over £5 million. The report is designed to give Channel leaders insights into the current market trends, to aid their decision-making and strategies.