Achieving sustainability in local government

In recent times, local government departments have been facing an increased pressure to become more sustainable – in order to meet regulatory requirements but also to serve local communities. At Softcat we aren’t immune to this pressure. We’re on our own mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, alongside supporting our customers to achieve their sustainability goals. 

As part of this mission, we are proud to announce that our Managed Device Lifecycle (MDL) service has recently achieved PAS 2060 Carbon neutral status. This is our second service to achieve the PAS 2060 certification alongside our Cisco Support service. If you’d like to learn about PAS 2060 and its importance, you can read more here. 

Our MDL service is designed to simplify and streamline the lifecycle of your devices. From initial delivery to disposal, we handle every aspect ensuring that your devices are always ready for use, so that your IT teams can focus on more useful tasks. 

Benefits of Softcat's MDL service  

• Gives you confidence that your teams will have functioning devices whenever and wherever they are needed. 

• Takes away the logistical burden from your IT team of managing devices, allowing them to focus on more useful tasks. 

• Can save you costs through the reuse, recycling, or buyback of redundant hardware. 

• Easy to use self-serve portal. 

• SLA (service level agreement) reported from end to end. 

If you’d like to learn more about our MDL service, please click here.  

Understanding the challenges faced by local government departments 

Local governments manage a variety of devices, from computers and tablets to mobiles and printers. The lifecycle of these devices, from purchasing and delivery to refurbishment and disposal, can be complex and resource heavy. Traditional device management often leads to significant resource being used as well as hefty carbon emissions. The burden of managing these devices can often waste resource, taking time away from focusing on more effective projects. 

Why sustainability matters for local governments 

Adopting sustainable practices offers numerous benefits: 

1. Regulatory compliance: meeting environmental regulations and standards are crucial for avoiding penalties and maintaining public trust. 
2. Cost savings: sustainable practices often lead to cost savings through improved efficiency and reduced waste. 
3. Community leadership: by adopting sustainable practices, local governments can set a positive example for their communities and inspire other organisations to follow similar practices. 
4. Long-term viability: sustainable practices ensure that resources are used responsibly, preserving them for future generations. 

Achieving the PAS 2060 certification 

The PAS 2060 certification is an internationally recognised standard for carbon neutrality, developed by the British Standards Institution. Achieving this certification means that we have calculated all the emissions generated by Softcat and our partners when delivering the MDL service, and have created a carbon reduction plan to offset these emissions. This includes offsetting 213 tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions - equivalent to traveling 1,522,516 kilometres in a car.  

How can Softcat help? 

At Softcat, we are committed to helping local governments navigate the complexities of device management, whilst achieving their sustainability goals. Our PAS 2060 certified MDL service is a testament to this commitment. By partnering with Softcat, local governments can ensure that their device management practices are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible. 

If you’d like to learn more about how Softcat’s MDL service can support your organisation, then please reach out to your Softcat account manager or contact our Sales team.