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Sustainable Technology Guide: Green Tech for Small and Medium Businesses
Sustainability has become a consideration when shoppers choose where to spend their money. Small and medium businesses (SMBs) are the vehicles to drive significant change in the future. Sustainable green technology can shape the current landscape into a more eco-friendly and environmentally responsible business ecosystem.
To be successful in this transition, SMBs need to integrate environmentally friendly tech into their existing practices. What are the advantages of doing so, and what benefits can it bring? Let’s find out!
The rise of sustainable business practices
There is more to adopting sustainable practices than boosting your brand image. You will also yield amazing benefits, such as cost savings over time. Tax breaks and incentives are also a possibility, plus the reduction of your company’s carbon footprint. These are all compelling reasons for SMBs to switch from regular tech to ones that support the environment.
The question is, what is the definition of green tech?
Key areas of green tech
Hardware
One area of sustainable tech is the hardware. The HP Z27k G3 4K USB-C Display is an example of sustainable hardware that environmentally friendly tech companies can consider. What makes it green? Several features contribute to its sustainable definition, including energy efficiency and the inclusion of recycled materials in its packaging. The monitor also features an Energy Star certification for high energy efficiency.
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Software
Green tech can also pertain to the software within your devices, which includes various tools such as EcoChain. This platform aims to provide real-time insights into your operation's environmental impact to make better decisions that support the earth.
We also have Wastebits, a cloud-based management platform that helps SMBs and larger corporations manage their waste.
Energy solutions
Conscious choices SMBs make to switch to energy-efficient tech equipment will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the environment. Switching to green servers can be a huge undertaking, but small to medium businesses can start small from within the office.
Intelligent lighting systems that switch on and off when people are present can help conserve energy. Another idea is adopting HVAC controls that can also optimize energy usage.
Advantages of adopting sustainable tech
There is no argument that a business that uses sustainable tech will have a better impression on most consumers, but what other benefits can it provide to your business?
Cost savings over time
Investing in green technology is a smart financial strategy. While the initial upfront cost may be greater, the potential long-term savings far outweigh regular tech. Aside from energy-efficient hardware, think about technologies such as LED lighting to save on utilities and go paperless.
Also, consider streamlining processes and using green software for workflow management for efficiency and resource optimization.
Positive brand image
SMBs that take advantage of sustainable tech will generally resonate more with consumers. As said, many consumers now prioritize companies that make more environmentally ethical choices. Aligning yourself with your consumers’ concerns could foster brand loyalty and more trust in your company.
Not only could you gain and retain customers, but you can also set yourself apart from market competition.
Environmental benefits
A primary purpose of selecting eco-friendly tech is the impact on the environment’s well-being. Conserving resources and saving on your bills are just positive side effects of the greater effect sustainable business practices can have on the planet.
There may also be compliance requirements for certain SMBs to follow to promote a wider global effort at sustainability.
Potential tax breaks or incentives
Speaking of compliance, global governments are aware that making the switch from traditional technologies to more eco-friendly options can cost a lot upfront. In a commitment to reach sustainability, governments may give financial advantages to SMBs who adopt these newer technologies.
Knowing you have the government’s support can also be another incentive towards your environmental goals. At the same time, it can boost your brand image and position your company toward more financial success in the long run.
Spotlight on sustainable HP products
HP Elite Dragonfly G3 Notebook
We are dedicated to sustainable practices and can help outfit your SMB with some green products, like the HP Elite Dragonfly G3. Some of the features include a 5MP camera with an appearance filter and complete with Bang & Olufsen audio.
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Why does the HP Elite Dragonfly make it onto our list of sustainable products? Because it has an Energy Star Certification for energy efficiency, on top of features that can benefit SMBs that streamline workflows and bolster security.
Pros
HP Wolf Pro Security
HP Pure Sense
HP Sure Click
HP Sure View Gen3
HP EliteBook 640 G9 Notebook
For those who want a bigger screen, the HP EliteBook 640 G9 is a top pick that also comes with the famed HP Wolf Pro Security. This feature provides preconfigured enterprise-level PC protection optimized for your small and medium-sized businesses.
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The HP EliteBook 640 is also Energy Star-certified, making it an option as a sustainable device. It is also EPEAT-registered, which means the laptop meets certain environmental performance criteria.
Pros
HP AI Noise Reduction
Outer box packaging is 100-percent sustainably sourced
HP Pure Sense Pro
High performance and portability
HP ZBook Firefly G10 Mobile Workstation
HP ZBooks are great for editors and artists, but they’re also a line of products that meet sustainability efforts. More specifically, the HP ZBook Firefly G10 is what we have in mind for SMBs. We’ve suggested a few products with the HP Wolf Pro Security, knowing that online safety is a top consideration for businesses of any size.
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This mobile workstation is also Energy Star-certified to help reduce costs in the long run and is equipped with industry-leading security features such as HP Sure Start.
Pros
Intel® Core™ i7 processor
Spill-resistant keyboard
Self-healing BIOS
HP Fast Charge
HP ProBook 445 G9 Notebook
Lastly, we have an HP ProBook 445 G9 to round out our list. It also has HP Wolf Pro Security and comes at a more affordable price tag. The notebook PC comes with a variety of features, complete with the addition of HP Sure Sense and HP BIOSphere Gen6 to promote protection and efficiency.
Shop HP ProBook 445 G9 Notebook Now
Of course, the device is also Energy Star-certified and the packaging is made from sustainably sourced certified and recycled fibres, much like the other products on our list.
Pros
HP Sure Click
HP Wolf Pro Security Edition
Long battery life
Fast and reliable wireless LAN
How to transition to green tech
Transitioning your SMB from traditional to green tech can take a bit of time, but it always helps to have a plan.
Assessment: Start with a complete evaluation of your current operations, focusing on identifying areas for improvement and potential sustainable tech integration.
Goals: Identify and outline sustainability goals aligned with your business’s objectives, such as carbon footprint reduction or resource optimization.
Energy Efficiency: Adopt energy-efficient technologies, like LED lighting, smart appliances, and green tech.
Energy Certifications: Opt for technology that has Energy Star or EPEAT certifications.
Employee Education: Help employees understand the need to change and actively participate in sustainable initiatives.
Monitor and Adjust: Assess the results and adapt accordingly. Regularly update your eco-friendly strategies to make sure you comply with local laws to ensure long-term success.
Challenges and solutions
Transitioning your SMB to green tech may not be smooth sailing, but there are solutions to every problem.
Cost Issues: Limited budgets can be the primary hindrance to green tech adoption.
Solution: Many governments and organizations offer incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies and grants to offset initial costs.
Limited Resources: There could be resource constraints when an SMB shifts to green tech.
Solution: Equip your workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable practices.
Employee Resistance: There could be a shared reluctance to switch to more sustainable practices.
Solution: Communicate the benefits of sustainability to your staff. Think about adding your own incentives to help with the transition.
Implementation: A big hurdle is the implementation part of the adoption.
Solution: Start gradually. Begin with smaller changes for a smoother integration process.
Conclusion
SMBs making the switch to green tech is a transformative and beneficial process. We understand this and want to help companies overcome the inevitable obstacles of adoption, such as cost barriers, employee resistance, and implementation.
Harnessing available resources and taking advantage of eco-friendly tech are great starting points for an SMB’s journey to becoming more conscientious and contributing to a greener and brighter future.