Enterprises today are embracing digital sustainability, a green operation that promotes using digital technologies with positive environmental impact. Some have
Enterprises today are embracing digital sustainability, a green operation that promotes using digital technologies with positive environmental impact. Some have started using energy-efficient office appliances and streamlining printing with managed print services.
A digitally sustainable business model makes you a better competitor in the industry. However, driving the initiative to success comes with challenges that require major adjustments.
In this article, we’ll help you understand what is digital sustainability and what you can do to achieve it. Keep reading to learn more about its definition, importance in organizations, and implementation steps you can do.
What Is Digital Sustainability?
Digital sustainability refers to using digital technology that positively impacts the environment. Companies embrace this concept by implementing strategies, such as using renewable energy sources and e-waste management to meet their environmental sustainability goals. These efforts reduce environmental footprints and resonate with eco-conscious consumers, enhancing the company’s brand image.
Why Digital Sustainability Is Important for Businesses
Living in the digital era means embracing technology for the benefit of businesses. However, digital activities have damaging effects on the environment. App creation, data processing, and menial office tasks use a lot of energy and resources.
For instance, research shows GPT-3 uses almost 1,300 megawatt hours (mWh) or 1,300,000 kWh. In comparison, a year’s worth of computer usage is around 109.5 kWh—a big leap from the previous number.
This extensive energy demand highlights the need for industries to adopt more sustainable practices. More specifically, here are reasons businesses should practice corporate environmental responsibility:
Regulatory Compliance
The Canadian federal government has environmental policies geared toward a sustainable future. Business owners must comply with these laws and meet enforced requirements related to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and other concerns. Breaching the provisions may result in monetary fines and imprisonment.
Innovation Within Reach
Digital transformation is a start, but the challenge lies in maintaining it sustainably. Investing in sustainability technology or developing eco-friendly products accessible to many could be the solution.
Cost Efficient
Switching to sustainability technology increases cost savings. Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy, allowing you to cut utility costs and improve resource management.
Adaptability
Technology trends are leaning more toward building a sustainable digital future. Aligning with this increases your company’s marketability and helps you meet the growing consumer demands.
Improved Brand Image
Businesses that care about digital sustainability attract more customers and investors. Continuing business operations with minimal environmental impact could improve brand image and build customer loyalty.
Challenges of Digital Sustainability
While sustainability technology brings a lot of benefits, it comes with its fair share of challenges. We review some below.
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Consumers generate 40 million tons of electronic waste annually, proving the culture of quick use and throw-away. Gadgets contain toxic materials that require correct disposal; otherwise, they are a threat to the environment.
Fortunately, sustainable technologies may still thrive. Tech companies should spearhead this initiative by extending life cycles on their products. Creating new gadgets with sustainable materials and recycling obsolete units are effective strategies for reducing e-waste.
Image Source: Canva
Security Issues
Combining sustainability technology with the Internet of Things (IoT) devices could help optimize efficiency. However, their connection with the internet leaves them at risk of security breaches; cyber attackers can hack the network and steal data stored within these devices.
Fair Accessibility
Digital inclusion is far from reality since not all have access to technology. While sustainability technology benefits businesses and the environment, its upfront costs appear intimidating and cause a digital divide among users.
Energy Efficiency
Corporations rely too heavily on energy and natural resources to run computers and maintain supply chains, emitting greenhouse gasses. Business leaders can solve this issue by introducing renewable energy to sustainable digital transformation.
Read more: A How-To Guide To New Process Implementation
What You Can Do to Be Digitally Sustainable
Image Source: Canva
Assess Your Impact
Before you add sustainability technology to your business, learn how it’s impacting the planet first. Calculating the carbon footprint will give you an idea of your greenhouse gas emissions. Measure your total energy consumption to start and set a benchmark.
Adjust the Infrastructure
Use the data collected to decide what adjustments you need to make to achieve a sustainable workplace. Below are examples of what you can do:
- Switch from natural to renewable energy
- Extend the life of disposed devices by donating them
- Invest in energy-efficient units
- Reduce e-waste
Read more: 5 Sustainable Printing Practices for a Greener Future
Train Employees
Understanding carbon literacy can be difficult due to its technical nature. Educate employees through seminars and workshops.
Start with personal carbon footprints to connect them with the sustainability initiative, then explain how these contribute to the organization’s total emissions. Provide practical tools and realistic data to show how they can reduce their carbon footprints.
Implement New Company Policies
Company policies should also touch on environmental impacts and sustainability technology. These guidelines help engage employees to be more accountable for their actions in the workplace and reduce their footprints as much as possible.
Streamline Your Printing With Integr8
Digital sustainability starts with change; prepare yourself for what’s ahead in the future with Integr8, Canada’s trusted managed print services provider.
Printing is an issue many businesses face. Our team of experts can make your print infrastructure more efficient and lessen your carbon footprint at the same time.
We’ll ensure you print what you need at fast speeds and low energy output. Accessible sustainability technology within your reach—contact us today!
