Sustainable technology is critical for a planet whose resources are dwindling. Across industries worldwide, green technology offsets carbonization and limits further environmental impacts and damage.
Common examples of sustainable technology include solar power, electric vehicles, electric transport, composting, energy-efficient LED lighting, vertical farming, and hydroponics. Green business practices include Dell Technologies’ reduction of e-waste, Meta’s devotion to carbon removal, and Apple’s shift to the use of recycled materials in its devices. These companies — and others — are ultimately seeking a solution that drastically reduces the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) and negative environmental impacts that have been furthered by traditional manufacturing and production.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives can contribute mightily to revenue growth and innovation. Per a 2022 report from Accenture, 48% of companies “say technology-led sustainability initiatives led to increased revenues from better products.” Companies’ responses surrounding ESG’s impact on the customer experience (CX), innovation, software, and talent were equally positive.
However, Accenture notes that ESG programs are frequently scuttled by the difficulty of measuring sustainability-related data across value chains; a lack of ready solutions; and the intent-action gap between consumers’ intent (e.g., engaging in sustainable consumption) and actions (e.g., buying clothes that have a long carbon-emissions trail). Even when a consumer prefers a sustainable product, other factors – price and convenience, to name two – might have the final say.
Organizations hope to enable customers to make environmentally conscious decisions. Ninety-two percent of companies surveyed by Accenture “aim to achieve net-zero targets by 2030,” but must first understand the importance of folding sustainability efforts into the entire supply chain. According to the report, carbon-intelligent technology solutions (aka sustainable technology) can help in “three important ways”: with a carbon footprint assessment; carbon emissions reduction that meets proper certification and accreditation requirements; and carbon removal achieved through carbon sequestration and credits.
Sustainable technology is a boon for business and for the planet. Business benefits include – but are not limited to – the following.
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