How the global chip shortage can support sustainability

Over the course of the past 18 months, several factors have conspired to create a global shortage of integrated circuits – more commonly known as semiconductor chips – affecting many industries and consumers. In IT, the crisis has led to many technology providers having to fundamentally adapt their approach.

As supply continues to outstrip demand, recent figures from tech analysts IDC show that the worldwide semiconductor market will reach $600 billion by 2025, with prices expected to keep rising due to material costs and opportunity cost in mature process technologies. The severe shortages of chips have limited production of the devices that provide the backbone to our digital economy.

Shifting away from the linear economy

As a result, there has been an acceleration of the shift away from the historic linear IT economy, under which you buy something, use it, then discard of it. In recent years, there has been more of a focus on creating a circular economy, with an emphasis on reuse, reduce, and recycling.

In the future, IT solutions will become more about evolving software to improve features and functionality rather than replacing hardware every three years, leading to a more sustainable IT landscape. Typically, this has been a difficult strategy to adopt as technology moves so quickly. However, with the pace of change around performance also increasing, there will be a greater focus on usability.

It’s something we’re all used to. Most people carry smartphones and replace them every two years. Meanwhile, the operating system, features, and applications are constantly being updated and improved, whilst the phone itself remains the same.

This example highlighted the importance of software in creating a linear economy, and the global chip shortage is supporting this change within businesses, born from necessity, and complementing corporate sustainability efforts as more and more businesses begin the realise the value in delivering more meaningful green credentials.

Driving the as-a-service model

The shortage is also complementing the shift to as-a-service, with services now most commonly delivered under a service agreement which reduces costly IT refreshes, as businesses look to maximise their investments in technology and evolve services.

It’s inevitable that some hardware gets thrown away – but the as-a-service model is a more sustainable business practice, with fewer assets depreciating and customers having the flexibility to switch service if it isn’t delivering on the latest standards

It is up to IT vendors and service providers like SCC to keep innovating and remain leaders as the whole IT industry continues to adapt to the pace of change in technology and significant global events.

AV technology’s role in a sustainable workplace

Sustainability is at the top of the global agenda. Meanwhile audiovisual (AV) technology in particular – from digital signage to tablet-based room booking systems – is growing in use throughout businesses. As a result, AV and IT managers will increasingly be called on to not only find the best solution, but the most sustainable one, too.

SCC AVS’s leading approach to sustainability has been recognised by leading tech industry influencers, with winning the Green Award at the 2021 AV Awards, commended for our technology recycling services, environmental accreditations, supplier code of conduct, and environmental impact.

When equipment reaches its inevitable end of life, our technology recycling services are embedded across all services lines. We provide year-on-year waste management and recycling figures to our customers, enabling them to monitor and minimise their waste and save on capital expenditure through on-selling materials and refurbishing equipment.

To find out more please reach out to your SCC AVS representative or fill out the form below and we will be in touch:

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