Sustainability


requires the ongoing introduction of new policies and practices. Knowing where to begin on this journey is


not always easy and can be overwhelming, particularly for smaller partners. Looking to industry bodies and frameworks can be a great first step to take and a way to collaborate with like-minded companies and track progress. Te Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign is led by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in partnership with the UN Global Compact and the We Mean Business coalition, is one example of a group which partners can join to develop Net Zero targets and share in industry-wide sustainability efforts. Working towards assessment frameworks, such as the EcoVadis sustainability ratings platform and the ISO14001 (Environmental management) certifications are also great ways for partners to establish best practice, prioritise improvement areas and forge a clear sustainability plan. In a supply chain, every member’s actions have consequences on


their counterparts, but the sheer number of suppliers can make it practically challenging to start engagement around sustainability topics. With this in mind, conducting a supplier risk analysis, focusing initially on the largest and most strategically important suppliers for a business, can help identify where the key risks and opportunities lie around sustainability. Tis allows focus and priority to be directed towards where it’s most needed. Partners can also become more socially responsible by supporting


their people and communities. We recently launched a range of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which provide a forum and safe space for employees with shared values, characteristics and life experiences to come together. Continuously investing in people and communities, through the development of leadership programmes, discussion forums and early careers opportunities, is crucial to developing a socially responsible organisation.


How can the channel collaborate to drive greater progress against net zero goals? Alongside introducing environmental performance-based criteria in procurement decision-making, we’re working alongside our partners to increase awareness of environmental measures. Tis year, we’re supporting our partners with training on Cisco’s new Environmental Sustainability Specialisation certification. Te programme enables participants to take advantage of Cisco’s expertise to better identify purposeful advantages in creating and meeting sustainability goals and engage with customers around sustainability opportunities. Entering into programmes like this allows companies to showcase measurable impact and demonstrate the value in collaboration. Tese programmes also act as a mechanism for innovation, as organisations can share their unique expertise and experience to create unique sustainable technology strategies.


How can the use of data and digital technology help companies track progress against ESG goals and foster transparency within the channel? Holding each other accountable is crucial to accelerating change. Tracking progress against ESG goals allows organisations to better


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understand the value of their sustainability policies and compare the effort’s being made by their counterparts. At Westcon-Comstor, we submitted both near-term and long-term science-based targets for validation to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure that our Net Zero targets are credible, independently verified


and in line with climate science. Te use of digital technology is critical to helping us collect data efficiently and accurately and increases data


confidence across key environmental metrics. We’re also in the process of implementing a digital dashboard, which will provide a central repository to store


and track environmental data across Westcon-Comstor’s real estate. In the medium term, it’s vital that we extend this platform to our supply chain to give us a consolidated view beyond our own operations. By collecting this data throughout the year, we can identify trends and forecast future impacts, allowing us to take action pro-actively, rather than relying on a retrospective view. Tis reflects the “data-driven” approach we’re taking across our business.


What sustainability trends do you expect to see in the channel? In the IT supply chain, credible sustainability metrics and reporting are now a ‘must have’ rather than just a ‘nice to have’. Greenwashing will not be tolerated and must go. We’re already seeing more RFPs containing language specifically requesting sustainability as a prerequisite. Tis is particularly relevant for the channel as businesses are now pushed to be more transparent and accountable. We’ll also see more businesses embracing circular technology.


Over recent years, events like the semiconductor chip shortage and pandemic, rocked the global supply chain and highlighted its fragility. As more businesses embrace their digital futures and adopt more technologies, we’ll see greater investment in the circular economy and blended technology solutions to future- proof against any further disruption.


What is Westcon-Comstor’s current sustainability plan? Tis year, we’ll continue the implementation of our five-year roadmap to decarbonisation. As a priority, the team will focus on improving data quality in our carbon footprint and enacting practical emission reduction initiatives within our business. We’ve set the goal of 80% of our suppliers having science-based targets by 2025, so engagement with our largest vendors to better understand their Net Zero plans and identifying areas where can support each other in achieving these ambitious targets, will be crucial to our future success. We’re also encouraging our partners to re-use and recycle


equipment through hardware collection and box provisioning. The decommissioned equipment is then transported back to Westcon-Comstor for screening for reuse, ensuring the process is easy and accessible. By 2030, we’re aiming for a 50% reduction in scope one and two


greenhouse gas emissions and a 25% reduction in our scope three emissions. Tis year’s a critical one, and we’re all committed to – and focused on – meeting these targets.


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