Organizations can realize the positive impact of green IT and software by nurturing a collaborative ecosystem of stakeholders within the value chain. This involves several key players.
Technology providers
Technology providers, from global leaders to startups, have been increasing green IT innovation and offerings to meet market demand and expectations. At the same time, they must manage and disclose scope 1 to scope 3 carbon footprints resulting from the production and use of their technologies in compliance with regulatory requirements and standards. In addition, industry groups of technology providers are well placed to establish standards and best practices as well as proactively work with governments to develop green IT policies.
The application of green IT principles to the providers’ product and service designs will help reform the future of the IT landscape, resulting in positive environmental and social impacts.
Technology buyers
With sustainability integrated into many organizations’ core strategy, companies have become more aggressive in looking for the right technologies, digital platforms and applications to support their sustainability and ESG goals.
While their focus is on selecting suitable technologies to meet sustainability requirements and address sustainability challenges, they need to be aware of the potential environmental impact of implementing the selected technology on a large scale.
Companies that are forward-thinking and innovative in their business strategy for sustainability will include green IT implementation in their sustainability transformation roadmap. They will incorporate green IT principles into a robust, sustainable sourcing and procurement framework and be selective in choosing suitable technology providers starting from the request for proposal process. They may also go one step further by adopting an internal carbon pricing mechanism to align strategic decisions with their climate ambition. As they are generating market demand for green IT, they can drive innovation in future green IT landscapes.
As companies focus on selecting suitable technologies to address sustainability issues, they must also consider how large-scale implementation of the selected technology can potentially impact the environment.
Governments and other regulatory authorities
Governments play a vital role in driving green IT adoption to help accelerate the green transition. To this end, there are six government priorities7:
- Provide detailed action plans with clear accountability.
- Be bolder in incentivizing the market and mandating change.
- Boost innovation through increased funding.
- Improve the design and delivery of green initiatives.
- Act as a role model for other parts of the economy.
- Promote a whole-of-society, people-centered approach.
Governments that are more mature in governing and implementing regulations and standards for sustainability can lead strategy implementation within their organizations and departments. For example, the UK government developed a policy paper as part of its greening government commitments.8 It sets targets that include GHG emission reduction, resource and waste management improvement, sustainable technology and digital services procurement, and the provision of sustainability strategy statements by all departments.
The United Nations also sets standards, guidance and criteria for the ICT sector through its specialized agency, International Telecommunication Union (ITU). ITU issued guidance and criteria for ICT organizations on setting net zero targets and strategies.9
Technology consulting firms
Technology consulting firms can support the diverse needs of key players in the green IT ecosystem.
This includes providing technology providers with market insights and informing them of industry trends so that they can better innovate and develop products. In some cases, technology providers form alliances with technology consulting firms to accelerate product introduction and implementation.
Technology consulting firms can assist technology buyers in technology deployment by defining technology strategies and goals, assessing current and future landscapes, building a technology roadmap, and supporting technology implementation.
They can also advise governments and other regulatory authorities on IT policies and regulations as well as help them understand the industrial and geographical contexts to define and implement appropriate green IT policies and assess their societal impact.
In general, key evaluation criteria for choosing the right technology consulting firms include the following:
- Breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and experience in providing the required services
- Market presence, network credentials and track records that match the company’s requirements
- The consulting firm’s own sustainability and ESG ambitions, practices and achievements
- A fit-for-purpose value proposition that addresses the company’s needs, which cover scope, cost, time and budget
- Previous or existing relationship and collaboration outcome with the company (if applicable)
The maturity of green IT and software adoption by organizations and societies has a significant bearing on global sustainability ambitions. To that end, rapid innovation of technologies, together with close collaboration among key entities within the ICT sector’s value chains, is imperative.
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Summary
Green IT allows organizations to reduce environmental impact, including the impact of IT energy consumption. Businesses can engage suitable technology consulting firms to mitigate transition risks in green IT adoption and implementation.
By nurturing a collaborative ecosystem of stakeholders within the value chain, organizations can benefit from green IT and software. Key players include technology providers, technology buyers, governments and other regulatory authorities, and technology consulting firms.