How enterprise IT leaders can create a greener future

From cryptocurrency mining to server farms, IT is consuming more and more energy across the globe. And as consumers become increasingly aware of IT’s impact on climate change, forward-thinking enterprise technology leaders are looking for ways to balance the books. 

There are multiple benefits; as well as reducing emissions, more sustainable IT operations can reduce overall costs, mitigate supply chain risks and attract sought-after talent - as well as potentially opening up new revenue streams.

Here’s how they’re doing it.

 

Energy Efficiency

The first step for any business to reduce emissions is to consume energy more efficiently. There are several ways to for IT leaders to achieve this goal, including switching data centers power sources to energy-efficient renewable energy, leveraging AI to detect wastages and inefficient consumption in real-time, adopting advanced cooling technology to reduce data centers’ energy consumption, and commissioning periodic energy consumption audits and find ways to work in energy-efficient ways without reducing productivity.

Businesses should also implement mandatory energy-efficient operational policies. That may include, for example, only using PCs and laptops with solid-state drives (SSDs) that consume less power than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). It may include mandating the employees who leave last to switch off all energy-intensive appliances. 

Combining a few significant initiatives with multiple smaller actions can together deliver a big impact, ultimately resulting in reduced energy demands, lower operating costs, decreased carbon footprint, and active contribution towards sustainable IT.

Circular Economy

Current device procurement in IT is typically a linear "take, make, dispose." model. Few businesses calculate the environmental costs of the product along the way, and even fewer are monitoring how devices are disposed of. This incentivises unsustainable production, as manufacturers stand to increase revenue from products with a shorter lifespan, which drives repeat purchases.

If the IT industry embraces a circular economy approach, however, products will be designed for longevity, reuse, and recycling, with an extended device lifespan, sustainable refurbishment and repurposing, and responsible e-waste management. 

Several companies are now offering "Device as a Service" (DaaS) models, where businesses can lease devices rather than purchase them. This incentivizes manufacturers to design durable and repairable products, as they retain ownership and responsibility for the device throughout its lifecycle.  
When the products finally become unusable, they can be handed to certified e-waste recyclers to ensure valuable materials are properly recovered and hazardous substances are safely disposed of. 

Green Software Development

Green software development means minimizing resource consumption throughout the software lifecycle, including optimized code for efficiency, reduced memory usage, and application designs which minimize data transmission and storage requirements. 

Developers can employ techniques such as code profiling to identify performance bottlenecks, use efficient algorithms and data structures, and adopt a modular approach to software design that allows for easier updates and maintenance. 

Cloud computing can also play a significant role, enabling the efficient sharing of resources and reducing the need for on-premises hardware. 

Taking the first steps 

Now that the framework is clear, it’s time to act. Businesses can take several steps to begin the journey to greener IT. 

 

1- Set ambitious sustainability goals.

Establishing clear and measurable targets is the first step. All stakeholders should agree on IT sustainability priorities for the short, medium and long term. These may include reducing consumption, minimizing e-waste, and operating with renewable energy sources. 

 

2- Measure and report on progress.

Building a robust tracking system to measure progress is imperative, allowing leaders to communicate progress to both stakeholders and customers, proving their commitment to environmental responsibility.

3- Collaborate with partners. 

Sustainability is a shared responsibility among us all. Businesses should collaborate with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to drive collective action and promote sustainable practices throughout the value chain.

4- Invest in research and development.

Innovation is key to unlocking new solutions for sustainable IT. Businesses should allocate a budget for research and development to explore emerging technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain, which can help reduce environmental impact and drive efficiency.

There’s still time to make an impact. 

Sustainable IT isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s business-critical. Sooner or later, customers will only choose businesses which are making robust commitments to greener IT. The outcome, though, is everybody wins; it’s not just good for the planet, it’s good for the bottom line too. And SBM can help. Get in touch with us to find out more.