In a world where environmental sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, businesses need to adopt green strategies. The green technology and sustainability market is currently valued over $19 billion and expected to grow to more than $89 billion by 2032.1
Adopting sustainable practices not only reduces a company’s carbon footprint but also unlocks financial and operational benefits. In fact, 88% of organizations with robust sustainability practices report improved operational performance.2
Below are key ways organizations can make a positive impact on both their bottom line and the environment.
Critical moves for greener, more efficient IT operations
1. Invest in energy-efficient hardware.
IT carbon emissions primarily stem from IT assets. Modernizing IT equipment is one of the most effective ways to lower energy consumption. Known as “Scope 1” emissions, which cover direct emissions from owned assets like facilities and equipment, this is an excellent starting point for emission reduction.
Upgrading to energy-efficient computers, servers, and networking devices can significantly reduce power use. Regularly tracking hardware energy consumption ensures businesses know when upgrades will have the greatest impact.
2. Leverage virtualization.
Virtualization technology allows companies to run multiple virtual machines on a single server, reducing the need for physical devices. This approach minimizes hardware costs and cuts down on the energy required to power and cool multiple machines.
This falls under “Scope 2” emissions, which track consumption, including electricity, heating, cooling, and other resources. Optimizing resource usage through virtualization can help businesses reduce their environment footprint while enhancing efficiency.
3. Optimize cloud migration.
Migrating IT operations to the cloud can result in significant energy savings. Many cloud providers, including leading hyperscalers, have invested in energy-efficient data centers powered by renewable energy sources. This category of emissions is known as “Scope 3,” which covers indirect emissions by third-party suppliers.
By evaluating cloud providers’ energy consumption and emissions data, businesses can align their cloud strategy with sustainability goals, ensuring they are reducing their environmental impact.
4. Implement power management policies.
Automated power management systems, such as those that shut down idle machines or activate sleep modes during periods of inactivity, are essential for reducing energy waste. Monitoring device utilization can highlight where improvements can be made, enabling businesses to drive down unnecessary energy consumption without sacrificing productivity.
5. Address e-waste with responsible disposal.
As the lifecycle of IT assets ends, proper e-waste management becomes critical. Recycling or donating still-usable hardware is a responsible approach that minimizes environmental impact. By tracking IT asset lifecycles, businesses can make more informed decisions about when to retire or refurbish equipment, promoting sustainability across their operations.
How sustainable IT drives business success
Adopting sustainable computing practices is not only environmentally responsible, but it can also have other tangible benefits for organizations. Here’s why embracing green IT strategies can improve your business:
Cost savings
Sustainable IT practices often result in significant cost reductions. Businesses that optimize their infrastructure for energy efficiency can cut energy consumption by up to 30%, directly translating into lower operational costs. Treating carbon emissions like dollars is a powerful approach to sustainability—both for the environment and the bottom line.
Enhanced brand reputation
With sustainability becoming a core value for consumers, eco-conscious companies can strengthen their brand image and appeal to a broader audience. A demonstrated commitment to green IT practices enhances corporate responsibility and can differentiate businesses from competitors.
Regulatory compliance
As environmental regulations become more stringent, businesses that adopt sustainable IT strategies are better positioned to stay ahead of compliance requirements. Tracking IT emissions and energy use enables companies to provide transparent, auditable data that satisfies regulatory demands.
Long-term risk mitigation
Sustainability-oriented businesses are better prepared for future risks, from rising energy costs to stricter regulations. By integrating predictive analytics and scenario planning into their IT strategy, companies can anticipate challenges and proactively address them.
A few final thoughts
As sustainability becomes a key priority for businesses, having the right strategies in place becomes crucial to achieving ESG goals.Flexera’s solutions, powered by Technopedia, provide the necessary insights to help organizations optimize their IT operations, reduce carbon emissions, and meet regulatory requirements. With tools for monitoring carbon footprints and managing IT asset lifecycles, companies can proactively address sustainability challenges and make data-driven decisions that benefit both the environment and their bottom line.
Watch our webinar to learn how your organization can build, track, and report on your sustainable IT strategies.
Sources:
1 Green Technology and Sustainability Market. Fortune Business Insights.
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/green-technology-and-sustainability-market-102221
2 “From the Stockholder to the Stakeholder: How Sustainability Can Drive Financial Outperformance,” University of Oxford, Arabesque Partners.
https://www.smithschool.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-03/SSEE_Arabesque_Paper_16Sept14.pdf
