Takeaways

• Up to 90% of tech firms exaggerate their green IT claims, making greenwashing a growing risk.
• IT leaders must demand verifiable proof from Science Based Targets (SBTi) to ISO 14064-3 assurance.
• Building internal sustainability skills is key to separating genuine ESG performance from marketing spin.

When sustainability first entered IT boardrooms two decades ago, few imagined it would become a dominant theme. Today, nearly every major supplier claims to champion IT sustainability, yet much of it is more marketing than measurable progress.

Studies suggest that as many as 90% of technology firms engage in some form of greenwashing, exaggerating their environmental credentials. For IT leaders trying to reduce emissions and report on ESG performance, the ability to separate fact from fiction has become an essential leadership skill.

Identifying the Warning Signs

False sustainability claims often hide in plain sight. Beware of vague promises like “eco-friendly” or “green by design” with no supporting data. Labels such as “carbon neutral” based purely on offsets, not genuine reductions, should also raise suspicion.

Selective reporting, where companies highlight progress in one area while ignoring their larger carbon footprint, is another warning sign. Even IT asset disposition (ITAD) providers can mislead, promoting “hard drive shredding” as sustainable when it actually wastes embodied carbon. Similarly, “zero landfill” claims sometimes mask the export of residual waste overseas.

Read More: Definitions of Sustainability: A to Z Guide on Sustainability

Demanding the Right Proof

The best defense against hype is verification. Genuine suppliers back their claims with credible standards. Look for Science-Based Targets (SBTi), GHG Protocol-aligned inventories, and independent verification under ISO 14064-3.

Energy claims like “100% renewable” should be supported by long-term power purchase agreements, not just annual certificates. For hardware, certifications such as EPEAT and TCO Certified confirm product sustainability across repairability, recyclability, and material use.

For IT asset disposal, demand item-level certificates for reuse, refurbishment, or destruction. These create the audit trail that regulators increasingly expect.

Independent Verification Matters

True accountability comes through independent assurance. Reports verified under ISO 14064-3 evaluate how reliable a company’s carbon data really is. IT directors should always check who verified the data, the scope of the audit, and whether the opinion was “limited” or “reasonable.”

Broader frameworks like e-Stewards, R2v3, EcoVadis, and CDP also help companies maintain consistency across global supply chains.

Building Internal Capability

No framework works without knowledgeable buyers. Procurement and legal teams need training on the Green Claims Code and on reading assurance statements. Companies should use scoring rubrics, contract transparency clauses, and vendor audits to keep claims honest.

Also Read: The Growing Need for ESG Companies, Sustainability, and Climate Solutions

A Leadership Responsibility

Sustainability is now a core quality metric, not a branding exercise. IT leaders must treat environmental disclosures with the same scrutiny as financial ones. By demanding proof and accountability, they help steer the industry toward genuine, lasting green IT progress.

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Source: ComputerWeekly.com