March 22, 2024 How Businesses Can Use Green IT to Boost Sustainability

When adopting advanced technologies, businesses must prioritize sustainability. Green IT solutions help fuel a healthier planet.

By Paneesh Rao, Chief Sustainability Officer at LTIMindtree

The benefits of technology in the workplace come with a downside. Every powered device, every cell phone call, and every email sent has a prolonged, detrimental effect on the planet. However, organizations can take action and make a difference by investing in green IT solutions to reduce tech consumption. As companies focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to assess their sustainability, ESG has become a board-level priority for nearly every organization.

One step that companies can take to be more environmentally friendly is relocating data center servers. Last year, Shearwater GeoServices reported an 85% reduction in power costs and a 90% reduction in carbon emissions after moving its data center from Ireland to Iceland. To achieve these sustainability milestones, the global marine geoscience company tapped into Iceland’s plentiful geothermal and hydropower resources.    

Other actions that companies can take to increase sustainability include investing in AI-based smart facility management tools and training employees in green skills. As they upskill employees and deploy AI technologies, organizations must consider environmental and social implications to ensure AI is implemented responsibly. By establishing clear strategies and achievable goals related to sustainability, businesses can increase organizational sustainability, save money, and benefit the planet all at once.

Lead by Example and Inspire Others 

To begin with, organizations must lead by example when it comes to fostering a greener and more sustainable future for the IT industry. Sustainability leaders advocating for change within their organizations must inspire others to join them in their efforts. As roughly 140 countries have established net zero emissions goals, organizations are investing in initiatives and infrastructure that will enable them to track, reduce, and report carbon footprint metrics.

To demonstrate accountability and drive ongoing action, robust metrics and frameworks must be established for measuring and reporting sustainability progress. Collaboration should also extend to other stakeholders, including clients and suppliers, to build trust through transparent communication on the progress of sustainability efforts. 

In the United States, businesses are increasingly being asked to report on emissions, power usage, and labor practices. As large organizations strive to comply with ESG guidelines and evolving international regulations, many are keenly focused on teaming with partners and vendors who share complementary sustainability values. Among recently enacted rules are California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. 

By addressing green challenges collaboratively, the IT industry has a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable future for all.

Take a Circular Economy Approach to Hardware

Digitalization needs to be responsibly balanced against its environmental impact. This can be achieved by implementing energy-efficient data centers, strategically investing in cloud technologies, and taking a circular economy approach to hardware implementation. Promoting circularity in the IT hardware lifecycle – reusing and regenerating materials as much as possible – and developing responsible e-waste management is critical to minimizing adverse environmental impact. 

Sustainability goals should also be continually reviewed and revised to keep pace with evolving and often increasingly stricter regulations. For example, green IT strategies should be aligned with international guidelines such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals initiative.

To drive long-term planning, organizations can move beyond add-on initiatives by integrating sustainability into every aspect of IT operations, from procurement to product development. As IT infrastructures become increasingly more interconnected, bolstering security against cyberattacks that could disrupt vital services is also critical.

Talent Acquisition and Workforce Upskilling

To intertwine sustainability with overall business goals and revenue benchmarks, organizations should focus on their existing workforce and talent acquisition. To acquire and nurture individuals with the skills needed to drive sustainability, employers must vet job candidates’ expertise in (and passion for) green technologies, circular economy principles, and ethical AI development.

The company’s sustainability goals and values should be integrated into the hiring process and selection criteria to attract and retain talent that will champion these principles. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, companies must embrace individuals from all backgrounds with distinct perspectives to ensure everyone can contribute in unique ways towards a sustainable future.

It’s also important for organizations to provide upskilling to ensure their workforce is well prepared for ESG and sustainability initiatives. Investing in continuous learning and development programs enables companies to foster the knowledge and expertise employees need to contribute meaningfully to sustainability goals. Programs focusing on sustainable IT practices, responsible AI development, and community engagement can empower individuals to translate their skills into positive impact.

Looking ahead to a sustainable future, there are many steps organizations can take today to offset the detrimental impact of technology on the environment. By aligning talent strategy with sustainability, green IT processes, and overall business goals, organizations made up of skilled and driven individuals working together can make a difference. 

Paneesh Rao is a senior leader with more than three decades of experience in managing Human Resources across industries and geographies. In his current role, he drives LTIMindtree’s ESG commitment, which is vital to the company’s vision of balancing growth and sustainability in building long-term stakeholder value for society at large. He also leads the company’s corporate social responsibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

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