8 channel partner leaders on how they are greening up

Leaders from Softcat, CAE, Misco, Econocom, Sapphire Systems, Novatech Transputec and Modern Networks share what key action their business has taken this year

From developing carbon measurement tools and sustainability insight platforms to installing solar panels and electrifying their car fleets, UK channel partners are stepping up their sustainability efforts.

CRN asked eight channel partner leaders who attended this summer's Channel Leadership Forum to name one thing their business is doing to become more sustainable this year.

Beginning at 4pm, this afternoon's CRN Tech Impact show will see 11 companies battle it out for Sustainable IT Solutions Provider of the Year.

Register free to view the show here.

But sustainability is a topic that is beginning to dominate boardroom discussions across the wider channel, as the above video - which will be shown during this afternoon's Tech Impact show - proves.

Some, like CAE's chief operating officer Richard Behan, are looking to launch their first sustainability strategy.

Novatech CEO David Furby highlighted his company's recent installation of a solar farm on the roof of its HQ, while Transputec chairman Rickie Seghal detailed how the MSP has this year sought to electrify its vehicle fleet.

"We put 16 Pod Points in the car park. There was some resistance [among staff] in actually being forced [to move to EVs], but overall, it was a success," he said.

Softcat's head of talent, engagement and diversity, Anushka Davies, flagged up the giant reseller's recent launch of its sustainability insight platform Enexo, while Econocom UK, Ireland and North America MD, Frances Weston, chatted through the local roll out of its EcoCarbon carbon measurement platform.

Other leaders we quizzed at the event were determined to think laterally when it comes to sustainability.

"We're using our apprenticeship levy to give to our customers in the sustainability industry, but also looking at how we can use that for skills offsetting and how we can invest in new apprentices in areas like automation," revealed Sapphire Systems chief strategy officer Chris Gabriel.