Agilitas’ 2025 sustainability report: The key takeaways
From carbon reduction to transparency, the document unveils the sustainability trends that matter the most to the channel
Nottingham-based Agilitas IT Solutions has found that sustainability is climbing up the list of priorities for channel partners, with carbon reduction and transparency becoming key focus areas.
In its 18-page report, made in partnership with research firm Censuswide, Agilitas gathered answers from 250 respondents working in UK-headquartered channel companies with an annual turnover of at least £5m.
Here is what they said.
Emphasis on sustainability remains strong, but opinion split
The report stated that sustainability will remain a major focus for businesses across the channel this year, with three quarters of respondents scoring seven out of ten and above.
39 per cent of interviewees considered sustainability a key focus area, scoring nine or ten, bringing the average score to 7.7.
While this is a positive trend among companies, the results did not quite reach the 7.8 out of ten high registered in 2021.
Encouragingly, ESG focus appears to be picking up; after what the company refers to as a “slump” in 2022 (7.6) and 2023 (7.5), the number of companies seeing sustainability as a priority is rising again.
On the other hand, there is a fear that the future might not be as green; only eight per cent of junior managers said sustainability was a top priority, compared to more than half of CEOs and business owners.
34 per cent of senior managers and 37 per cent of CEOs also stated they are confident in their company’s sustainable practices.
From offsetting to carbon reduction strategies
The report also reveals that the channel’s preferences have shifted from the controversial practice of offsetting to carbon reduction strategies.
In 2022, nearly 35 per cent of those questioned said they were investing in offsetting strategies, but today this has dropped to almost 20 per cent.
Channel firms are now investing in reduction strategies that can not only reduce carbon but also cost.
36 per cent of respondents said they have already implemented initiatives to become more sustainable with energy efficiency, streamlining business processes, remote and hybrid working models and working with eco-friendly suppliers.
37 per cent were looking to implement strategies within the next 12 months, but over a quarter of recipients were not prioritising any carbon reduction activities within a year.
“Partnerships are key to sustainability in the IT channel, enabling companies to share resources, knowledge, and solutions,” said Lee Ellams, head of marketing at Tieva.
“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.”
Transparency and trackability
Companies also said they want transparency when considering consistent data collection, clear communication and reporting mechanisms.
More people and organisations are calling on channel businesses to log data accurately and regularly, to prove their commitment to sustainability efforts and report any progress.
Sustainability was the third most important factor in partner selection, with over a quarter of respondents prioritising a shared vision in this area.
Its significance was highest among larger firms (250-500 employees), where it outranked cost and experience, but dropped considerably for smaller businesses, where cost was the main driver.
Accurate data collection is also essential to tracking Scope 3 emissions and providing support for customers’ sustainability goals, the report emphasised.
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