Leasing helps companies meet green commitments

Many organisations think that in tough economic times it can be more challenging to deliver on sustainability commitments. There is often a perception that being green is more costly for the business but, in fact, the opposite can be true.

It's a given that outdated equipment is often less environmentally friendly and, more often than not, is more expensive to run and maintain, but capital budgets may not stretch to replacing older kit.

Leasing provides a sound alternative, which gives the best of both worlds - new equipment which is more often better for the environment and freedom from a large capital outlay on the balance sheet.

What's more, as well as being more sustainable, the latest technology can bring cost savings and productivity improvements to operations. As companies seek to position themselves for future growth, investing in new equipment will drive efficiency and a competitive advantage.

Here are some of the ways your business can benefit from smarter technology choices:
   
Cut costs with power savings
Energy Star is the global mark of energy efficiency. Make a conscious choice to replace older equipment with the latest Energy Star models.

Technology manufacturers are also constantly introducing new green features which use less power, like energy saving modes and instant-on boot up technology.

Buying Energy Star products and choosing power saving features will lower your power bills, as well as ensuring that your company is playing its part to protect the environment. With the rising cost of electricity due to introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme, this will be a welcome saving.

New features improve productivity
As well as being more environmentally friendly, investing in new technology will help your company to be more efficient and increase productivity.

By regularly upgrading your equipment to the latest model, you will be able to harness new features and faster computing speeds, to help your employees be more productive and better meet your customers' needs.

Consolidate devices to save
Businesses often add to their office equipment with ad hoc new equipment purchases. Over time, the costs to keep this equipment running can mount up - from power consumption to maintenance, helpdesk support and insurance. It can be useful to work with your technology provider to take a strategic look at your IT equipment and decide on the best mix for your needs. There are savings to be made in consolidating several devices into one, for example fax, scanner and copier into a multifunction printer. Where notebook PCs are being used, a docking station can eliminate the need for a separate desktop, while in some instances, you may want to get rid of certain outdated pieces of equipment altogether.

Smart recycling
Some leasing partners, like Equico, can help you to dispose of old equipment responsibly, cost effectively and with minimal hassle to your business. Newer equipment is reconditioned and reused sustainably, while older equipment is broken down and recycled.

Being green doesn't necessarily have to come at a cost to your business. Smart leasing solutions can help you to affordably replace old, environmentally unsound equipment with technology that helps you to meet your sustainability commitments, while reducing costs and improving productivity to increase your competitive edge.