In 2025, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in London, going green with IT isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about making smart, manageable changes that reduce environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.
Here’s how your business can take meaningful steps toward greener IT—without breaking the bank.
Choose Energy-Efficient Hardware
Start with the basics: your devices. Opt for laptops, desktops, and servers that are Energy Star or EPEAT certified. These certifications ensure lower power consumption and longer device lifespans. Brands like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer now offer carbon-neutral or recycled-material models that align with sustainability goals. Switching to energy-efficient devices like this can reduce electricity consumption by up to 30% per workstation, according to the UK’s Technology Adoption Review.
How to start:
- Prioritise vendors offering carbon-neutral models (e.g. Acer Aspire Vero, Dell Latitude E-series).
- Extend device lifecycles through upgrades instead of replacements.
- Use asset management tools to track device age and performance.
Embrace Cloud Services
Moving to the cloud reduces the need for on-site servers, which are energy-intensive and require constant cooling. Cloud providers like Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud operate data centres that are increasingly powered by renewable energy.
SMEs that adopt cloud-based infrastructure report an average 20–25% reduction in IT-related emissions, while also improving scalability and uptime.
How to start:
- Begin with low-risk services like email, file storage, and backups.
- Use cloud-native tools for collaboration (e.g. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace).
- Monitor usage to avoid overprovisioning.
Not sure where to start with cloud migration? Our team can guide you through every step.
Power Down and Automate
Simple changes like enabling power-saving settings on devices, using smart plugs, and scheduling automatic shutdowns can significantly cut energy usage.
How to start:
- Use Group Policy or MDM tools to enforce energy policies.
- Educate staff on unplugging idle devices.
The above is something EC2 IT has vast amounts of knowledge and experience in configuring.
Recycle and Dispose Responsibly
Old IT equipment shouldn’t end up in a landfill. Partner with certified e-waste recyclers, such as Surplex, or donate usable equipment to local charities. Many manufacturers also offer take-back schemes. Currently, only 38% of UK SMEs recycle their IT equipment properly, leaving room for major improvement and reputational gain.
How to start:
- Set up a quarterly collection with a certified recycler.
- Create a reuse programme for internal redeployment.
- Log all disposals for compliance and reporting.
Monitor and Report
Use tools to track your IT energy consumption and carbon footprint. This not only helps you stay accountable but also supports compliance with upcoming UK sustainability regulations.
SMEs that track their environmental impact are 2.5x more likely to receive green funding or procurement opportunities from larger enterprises. For more details, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-funding-to-help-your-business-become-greener
Does going Green work?
Will Review, an independent, government-backed initiative focused on demonstrating the financial benefits of sustainability for UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), published a report in 2025 that highlights several UK SMEs that have successfully adopted green IT practices:
- A London-based architecture firm reduced its energy bills by 28% after switching to energy-efficient laptops and cloud-based design tools.
- A regional marketing agency cut e-waste by 60% by implementing a device reuse and recycling programme.
- A small logistics company installed solar-powered IoT sensors to optimise fleet routes, reducing fuel consumption by 15%.
These case studies demonstrate that green IT is a viable strategy across all industries.
Final Thought
Sustainable IT isn’t just good ethics—it’s good economics. By making greener choices today, you can reduce costs, attract eco-conscious clients, and contribute to a cleaner London tomorrow.
Ready to go Green?
- Call or email our team to discuss your green IT goals.
- Book a consultation to explore how we can help your SME go greener, without the guesswork.