Want to go green? These 4 ways help you reduce power consumption

Circular models help promote resource efficiency, extend product lifecycles and minimize waste.

As technology continues to progress, so does its e-waste. In fact, in 2022, the world produced 62 million tons of e-waste, with only 22.3% documented as collected. The collection process can be complex and requires many steps and experts.

“At Ingram Micro, we believe that the transition to a circular economy isn’t just a trend—it’s a critical shift for long-term sustainability and business resilience,” said Kevin Coleman, Ingram Micro Lifecycle’s global vice president of reverse logistics. “Our Circular Economy Maturity Model helps organizations find new value, reduce waste and future-proof their operations while contributing to a more sustainable world.”

Sustainability has taken center stage in businesses and countries across the globe, and in many investors' sightlines, with measuring an organization’s circular economic principles on the rise and a key interest. Additionally, despite climbing inflation, consumers are willing to pay a 9.7% sustainability premium on goods and services associated with sustainable practices. So, how can you benefit?

Enter: circular models.

Circular models, or the logic behind how products are created, used and disposed of, can be sustainable and help reduce power consumption. Recently, Ingram Micro Lifecycle developed the Circular Economy Maturity Model (CEMM) that, in collaboration with Research HQ, offers a structured framework that helps businesses assess and improve their circular economy practices.

Want to zero in on some potential benefits? Consider these:

Reduces consumption: Circular models prioritize efficiency, minimizing waste throughout the entire lifecycle of products and services. Concepts you are all too familiar with, such as “reduce, reuse, recycle,” apply by minimizing the need for new materials and energy-intensive processes. Products as a service also fit here because instead of selling products outright, your business might rent them to help reduce consumption.

Reduces waste and recovers energy: Circular models often see waste as a valuable resource and use materials from waste outputs. Furthermore, reusing and remanufacturing products significantly reduces waste. Remanufacturing products can be a powerful form of waste reduction, with the average remanufactured product using 85-88% of its original components.

Creates an energy-efficient system: Solar, wind and hydro power all help in powering manufacturing processes, in addition to smart grids. Energy-efficient building technology, such as insulation and lighting, contributes to conserving energy.

Optimizes the supply chain: Local sourcing and collaboration, plus partnerships with manufacturers, suppliers and consumers, can help develop circular economy practices and lead to more efficient resource management.

Want to get started? The CEMM assessment is the perfect tool for a broad range of logistics professionals and aims to help guide an organization in evaluating its circular economy efforts and status. It accommodates unique challenges and opportunities for large and small companies and provides a clear roadmap for organizations shifting toward more sustainable practices. Start Earth Day off on a green foot and take the five-minute assessment.

Find my green opportunities

Jackie Connor is a writer with more than 15 years of experience contributing to news publications and marketing teams. Since joining Ingram Micro in 2022, she covers technology services and finance, ITAD, marketing and sustainability.

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