In the pursuit of a sustainable future, the spotlight has turned to the digital realm. As we race ahead in the digital era, the environmental impact of our technological advancements cannot be overlooked. The urgency to decarbonise our digital footprint is more crucial than ever, and as technology leaders, our role in spearheading this change is pivotal.
Cracking the Digital Carbon Code
Did you know that the digital sector contributes nearly 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions? Surprisingly, this accounts for more emissions than the airline industry. With the exponential growth of data centres, increased internet usage, and the proliferation of digital devices, the energy demands of our digital infrastructure continue to soar.
And that’s just carbon. Technology has a far broader impact than emissions, being an industry highly reliant on raw materials, laboriously extracted from the ground. One phone contains over 50% of the raw materials we see on the periodic table of elements and the manufacturing of your phone is responsible for about 80% of its lifetime emissions. This alone should make anyone think twice about upgrading their phone every year.
The Call for Action
This challenge presents an opportunity for innovation and transformation. By adopting sustainable practices and leveraging emerging technologies, we can mitigate the environmental impact of our digital operations while continuing to drive technological progress.
Strategies to reduce your Environmental Impact
1. Energy-Efficient Data Centers: Data centres are the backbone of our digital world. Implementing energy-efficient designs, utilising renewable energy sources, and optimising cooling systems can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
2. Cloud Optimisation: Migrating to the cloud is not a silver bullet and should be approached with caution. It can definitely enhance flexibility and also offers opportunities to optimise resources and energy consumption. With the right cloud provider and partner who actively invests in renewable energy to power their operations, it can be an eco-friendly choice.
3. Circular Economy for Electronics: Embracing a circular economy approach involves extending the lifecycle of electronic devices through repair, refurbishment, and recycling. This minimises e-waste and reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing new gadgets.
4. AI and IoT for Efficiency: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) play a crucial role in optimising energy usage. Smart systems powered by AI can analyse data to identify energy-saving opportunities, making operations more efficient. Be aware that these are also energy intensive solutions, so the benefits should significantly outweigh the cost.
The Power of Collaboration
As leaders, collaboration across industries is key. Joining forces with suppliers, partners and policymakers can drive the adoption of sustainable practices and policies throughout the supply chain, further amplifying our impact.
A Sustainable Digital Future
The path to decarbonising our digital footprint is both challenging and rewarding. By integrating sustainability into our digital strategies, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also pave the way for a more resilient and innovative future.
Together, let’s harness the power of technology for positive change, creating a digital landscape that thrives while treading lightly on the planet.
Fiona Leibundgut
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleibundgut/
