There is mounting anecdotal evidence that enterprises are struggling to ensure their statements of intent on sustainability are matching their actions, so what steps can they take to bridge the gap?
It is now the expected norm for companies to have a sustainability strategy, with a YouGov survey finding that 70% of GenZ customers will pay more for sustainable products. However, there is sometimes suspicion that the stated goals do not match behaviour leading to accusations of greenwashing being levelled at organisations.
The tech sector generates between 2-4% of all greenhouse gas emissions. And the International Telecommunication Union estimates that digital technology alone is capable of reducing the entire world's carbon emissions by 17%.
Additionally, work by Ericsson suggests the tech sector could further reduce its carbon footprint by 80% if all its electricity came from renewable sources.
Strategies aimed at successfully cutting climate risk can appear to be stymieing business sustainability. How can the industry remain productive?
Organisations that prioritise the monstrous task of reducing IT emissions can and will remain competitive, sustainability experts assure Computer Weekly, but this will mean picking optimum targets. Here, we look at six ways to do that.
1. Fix problematic thinking about tech
In a Bible story, David the shepherd boy slays Goliath, a terrifying warrior, with a carefully aimed stone, saving his people against the odds. IT can do similarly, countering the current inertia and overwhelm around emissions targets.
