CoSN, SETDA, UDT Release Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Technology Purchasing

• By Rhea Kelly
• 10/20/25

CoSN and SETDA, in partnership with IT and telecommunications solution provider UDT, recently released a set of Sustainability Procurement Guidelines designed to help K-12 school and district leaders, procurement officers, and technology directors make purchasing decisions that are both environmentally responsible and operationally effective.

The guide breaks down six key areas where prioritizing sustainable practices can both reduce environmental impact and cut down on long-term expenses:

• Energy Efficiency: Products that meet energy-efficient standards can reduce energy consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact.
• Recyclable and Sustainable Materials: Products designed for recyclability reduce landfill fees and e-waste handling expenses. And the use of sustainable materials enhances product durability and reliability, lowering environmental footprints and operational costs.
• Long Product Lifespan: Durability standards, protective accessories, structured maintenance routines, and extended warranties can help extend device longevity as well as minimize repair and replacement costs.
• E-Waste Reduction: Repair, reuse and trade-in programs help reduce discarded electronics while generating funds for new purchases. 
• Modularity and Repairability: Designing for easy and affordable repairs can significantly extend a product's usable life, reduce electronic waste, and lower the total cost of ownership. 
• Vendor Sustainable Practices: Partnering with vendors that prioritize sustainability strengthens district sustainability goals and reduces environmental impact. 

"The Sustainability Procurement Guidelines provide K-12 leaders with a practical roadmap to make technology purchasing decisions that are both fiscally responsible and environmentally sustainable," said Louis McDonald, project director for CoSN K-12 Technology Environmental Sustainability, in a statement. "By focusing on energy efficiency, durability, repairability and vendor practices, the guidelines help districts extend the life of their technology investments, reduce costs and model responsible leadership for their communities. I'm proud of what we accomplished together and excited to see how districts will use these guidelines to lead by example for their students and communities." 

"Sustainable procurement is responsible leadership. When states and districts consider environmental sustainability in their technology decisions, they align fiscal responsibility with long-term impact. That is how we ensure every device investment truly serves students, communities and the future," said Julia Fallon, executive director of SETDA.

The full report is available on the CoSN site here.