Sustainable ICT procurement: How schools can meet ESG goals in 2025 and beyond

Technology is essential to learning, but it also comes with environmental and social costs. Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) are under increasing pressure to demonstrate how they are meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals — and ICT procurement is a key area where schools can make a measurable impact.

As a Department for Education (DfE)-approved procurement framework, Everything ICT supports schools make informed, sustainable ICT choices that align with ESG priorities — while remaining practical, compliant, and budget-conscious.

1. Lease, don’t buy: Reducing waste and improving flexibility

Leasing ICT equipment allows schools to access up-to-date technology without the financial and environmental burden of ownership. Devices can be returned at the end of their term, upgraded more easily, and handled responsibly through supplier-managed reuse or recycling schemes.

Why leasing helps:

• Extends the lifecycle of ICT equipment through planned reuse or refurbishment.

• Avoids large upfront costs and supports long-term budgeting.

• Reduces the risk of holding outdated or underused devices.

Our framework includes leasing options through approved suppliers who understand the needs of schools and offer compliant contracts, helping you stay agile and reduce waste.

2. Consider refurbished devices

Not every learning environment needs brand-new equipment. Professionally refurbished laptops, desktops, and tablets offer reliable performance at a significantly lower environmental cost.

Benefits of refurbished ICT:

• Lower embodied carbon emissions compared to new devices.

• Supports circular economy goals by keeping equipment in use longer.

• Typically comes with warranties and service agreements.

Schools using our framework can source high-quality, education-ready refurbished devices from trusted suppliers who meet performance and sustainability standards.

3. Plan for disposal: Compliant, secure, and responsible

When devices reach the end of their life, schools need to dispose of them safely and in line with data protection and environmental regulations. Poor disposal practices can lead to data breaches and contribute to the growing problem of e-waste (UK is lagging behind the rest of Europe in ewaste recycling).

Key actions:

• Partner with providers offering secure data wiping and WEEE-compliant recycling.

• Keep records of disposal for audits and ESG reporting.

• Use manufacturer or supplier take-back services where possible.

We work with suppliers who provide full disposal and recycling services, ensuring schools meet their legal and ethical responsibilities without additional workload.

4. Choose suppliers with clear ESG policies

It’s not just about the products — it's about who you buy them from. Suppliers should be able to demonstrate responsible sourcing, ethical labour practices, and sound environmental policies.

Our framework includes suppliers who meet clear sustainability and compliance criteria, such as:

• ISO 14001 environmental standards

• Anti-modern slavery commitments

• Transparent supply chains

This means schools can procure with confidence, knowing ESG risks are being actively managed.

5. Monitor and report your progress

Being able to show the impact of your ICT decisions is increasingly important — for internal accountability and external reporting. Tracking your emissions savings, device reuse, or responsible procurement helps demonstrate progress toward ESG goals.

Several suppliers within our framework offer tools and reporting support to help you gather the right data. This can be useful for governors, MAT boards, or local authority reporting.

Supporting schools ICT procurement every step of the way

Meeting ESG goals through ICT procurement doesn’t need to be complicated. By choosing to lease, buy refurbished, and dispose responsibly — and by working with suppliers who meet recognised standards — schools can make practical, affordable decisions that deliver long-term value.

Our DfE-approved framework is built to make this easier. With clear guidance, vetted suppliers, and contract options designed for schools, we help you stay compliant, sustainable, and focused on delivering better outcomes for your students.

Get in touch to learn how Everything ICT can support your school's ESG goals.