Companies are increasingly concerned about the ESG risk from IT disposal

Editorial Type: News Date: 2021-08-01 Views: 362 Tags: Networking, IT Asset Disposal, Green IT, DSA Connect
Companies are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential ESG and CSR risk from IT disposal policies, new research by DSA Connect, an IT asset disposal company, shows. Its research found 75% of IT directors expect a growing focus over the next two years on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from senior management on the treatment of end of life IT equipment.

Around a third (29%) are expecting a dramatic increase in the focus on IT disposal from senior management in relation to ESG and CSR over the next two years given the potential damage to company’s reputations from mistakes.The study by DSA Connect, which specialises in the permanent deletion and destruction of electronic data, highlights the scale of the risks. Just one in four (24%) of IT directors questioned believe their disposal policies are very robust on ESG and CSR.

Around 12% admit their policies are poor or very poor while 26% describe policies as average and 38% believe they are quite robust in relation to ESG and CSR credentials. Potential problems identified by the study include end of life IT ending up on waste sites in developing countries – 93% of IT directors say firms are increasingly concerned about this risk.

The research shows action is being considered – 82% expect an increase in IT being donated to local good causes such as schools with 15% predicting a dramatic increase over the next two years. Harry Benham, Chairman of DSA Connect said: “Disposing of redundant IT equipment and eradicating data in a safe and secure manner has major implications for companies ESG and CSR credentials.

“Equipment should be disposed off in a way which is environmentally responsible but just as importantly there are issues around governance and commitment to local communities which should also be taken into consideration. It is concerning that just one in four believe they have very robust policies to address these issues.”

Recovering redundant equipment from across the UK, DSA Connect provides a secure IT asset disposal service utilising a methodology created in partnership with the Ministry of Defence. DSA Connect’s end of life service allows for the complete removal and data eradication of IT equipment and depending on the quantity and type of equipment for disposal, DSA Connect offers a rebate of up to 60% on all re-saleable assets.

DSA Connect is an IT asset disposal specialist. It specialises in the erasure and destruction of electronic data using tools certified by CESG and approved by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It ensures that all data storage media and equipment is removed from a client’s premises and transported to its secure facility in unmarked, tracked vehicles.

The company was established in 2011 to partner the Ministry of Defence in developing the MoD’s asset disposal service.