DTA highlights govt agency sustainable device management change

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has updated how it manages sustainable practices, as more than half of government devices are expected to be reused over the next five years.

These updates are outlined in the DTA’s Sustainable device management (SDM) guide, which offers practical advice to support better reuse, donation and recycling practices to cut down on electronic waste.

“The APS [Australian public sector] is projected to replace around 3.8 million ICT devices over the next five years … but 50 to 70 percent of them have the potential for reuse,” said DTA acting CEO Lucy Poole.

“Carefully considering sustainable device management approaches means significant opportunities to reduce waste and deliver broader public value.”

The DTA’s focus covers a range of steps covering the sustainability management lifecycle, which includes embedding sustainability early by planning for reuse, donation and recycling from procurement.

It also resolves around asset reuse potential, ensuring compliant and secure sanitation practices for sensitive data protection, aligning practices with Commonwealth obligations.

Additionally, the DTA also recommended to “partner with purpose” by engaging with trusted organisations that support environmental and social outcomes for refurbishment and donations and to track and measure outcomes by utilising data to support circular practices and inform future improvements.

The DTA said the release of the SDM guide marks an “important step toward more sustainable ICT practices across government”.

“By taking a whole-of-life approach to device management, agencies can contribute to Australia’s broader environmental targets, promote digital inclusion and reduce digital waste in the public sector,” the agency said.