Green IT: everything you need to know about green technology
Although Green IT is no longer a new concept, there is still a lot of progress to be made in this area. That’s because we’re so used to talking about digital evolution that we don’t always consider its environmental impact.
Fortunately, things are changing and companies are more aware of the sustainable use of resources in the Information Technology sector. Best of all, this level of awareness is spreading across the market, from small to large organizations.
But achieving sustainable operations depends on a conscious effort. It requires thought and action, which is why we have prepared this essential content for every professional and company looking to make a difference.
Want to further explore the concept of Green IT, how it works and its importance in today’s corporate market? Stay with us!
What is Green IT?
Green IT is a set of actions, resources, and strategies focused on the conscious and environmentally responsible use of computers and IT resources. In other words, a movement to make Information Technology more sustainable.
“The term Green IT encompasses all information technologies that help reduce the impacts of human and business activities on the environment”
In a broader analysis, it includes the study, engineering, manufacturing, use, and proper disposal of devices to minimize their environmental impact.
With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, increased data volumes, and the advancement of 5G, Green IT is something we need to keep an eye on. After all, digital transformation consumes a lot of natural resources, from the raw materials needed for manufacturing to the energy used for operation – not to mention disposal issues.
What are the three areas of focus in Green IT?
Green IT is a broad concept focused on three key areas: energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental preservation. Whenever you hear this term, understand that it encompasses different focus areas, but with the same goal: sustainability.
These three pillars are better detailed below:
1. Energy Efficiency
The Information Technology sector consumes a lot of energy, so one of the pillars of Green IT is to achieve better energy efficiency. In this case, it involves using more efficient hardware and software and optimizing infrastructure.
Initiatives like those from Ascenty, which invests in state-of-the-art equipment and in the use of renewable energy in Data Centers, are indispensable for the planet’s future.
2. Waste reduction
Green IT also focuses on the excessive and improper disposal of waste generated by the technology sector. Have you ever stopped to think about it?
We are so accustomed to using and discarding electronic equipment that we don’t consider the amount of waste this generates. In business environments, this is even more concerning.
Ascenty’s Zero Landfill Program is worth noting here. The initiative aims to eliminate the improper disposal of waste generated in Data Centers, preserving soil and groundwater.
3. Environmental preservation
Finally, the third point is environmental preservation, aiming to ensure a more sustainable technological and digital evolution. This is because moving forward with a lower environmental impact is indeed possible.
In general, organizations must prioritize decisions that don’t harm the environment and always consider ways to balance growth.
Why is it so important to think about Green Technology?
It’s simple: the carbon footprint of the digital age is growing every day. Studies indicate that carbon emissions associated with digital activities represent around 4% of total global emissions, and this figure is expected to grow 6% annually until 2025.
This translates to 2 gigatons of CO2 released into the atmosphere – the equivalent of 200,000 Eiffel Towers!
To neutralize all this carbon, we would need to cover 1/3 of the Earth with forests. These are alarming statistics, underscoring the importance of taking action today.
This emission comes from various sources, from the extraction and processing of raw materials for manufacturing IT equipment to transportation and energy consumption. In fact, it is essential to understand that there are two types of digital use:
- Local use: your own equipment, computers, and servers.
- Cloud use: resources that operate on remote servers.
We don’t often consider the consumption and environmental impact of cloud computing, especially since it’s out of sight. However, maintaining servers and data in the cloud requires Data Centers and extensive technological effort.
What are the challenges of implementing Green IT in companies?
Despite its importance, some obstacles have hindered the implementation of Green IT in companies. These are real challenges faced by businesses of all sizes.
Understanding this scenario can help you think of ways to overcome these issues and move toward sustainable digital evolution. Here are the challenges:
- Initial financial investment: investing in new technologies and green projects can be costly, which is why many organizations avoid replacing legacy systems and modernizing their infrastructure.
- Lack of a “green culture”: operating with a focus on preserving the environment requires a change in mindset and approach. Many managers remain resistant because they don’t understand the positive impacts of this decision.
- Lack of planning: some companies decide to start the Green IT project but struggle to define where to begin and eventually become paralyzed.
What are the advantages of adopting green IT in your company?
One of Green IT’s biggest benefits is that it not only protects the environment, but also positively impacts business and enhances customer experience – a complete cycle of advantages.
We are talking about economic, social, business and, of course, environmental benefits. To help you understand, here are some of the key benefits of this concept. Take a look:
It helps the environment
Green IT enables companies to contribute to environmental concerns in multiple ways, such as:
- Reducing water usage: Aerated faucets, efficient toilets, and external timing systems can significantly cut water usage. An already common solution are motion-sensing faucets that turn off automatically.
- Reducing paper usage: A paperless company is environmentally friendly, as it eliminates a major source of waste common to the workplace. It is something that reduces storage and disposal costs.
- Reducing energy consumption: Small changes, such as using LED lighting, can save a lot of money each month.
Improves the company’s image in the market
More and more consumers today are environmentally conscious and concerned. In fact, according to INC., 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products and to do business with eco-friendly companies.
By promoting your company as green to the general public, you could see a notable increase in sales and leads.
Of course, this requires strategic marketing initiatives, but internal Green IT actions resonate with a good portion of customers, attracting their attention.
Boosts employee performance
Green IT can also impact employee and company productivity. For example: it’s much easier to find documents in the cloud than to search through physical files!
With Green IT, you are required to invest in digital solutions to solve problems and help with everyday corporate tasks. This includes not only cloud solutions, but also the use of mobile devices.
In fact, some organizations see productivity gains of up to 25% just by switching to a digital operating platform. This can lead to additional revenue and allow your company to develop new business models.
Another point is that Green IT can also be responsible for improving the quality of the work environment. This occurs by means of technological solutions that control air quality, temperature, and even the humidity.
Lowers company costs
Green IT allows you to cut down (or even eliminate) several operating costs. A good example is the implementation of energy-efficient equipment, which reduces the electricity bill.
In addition, it is possible to reduce spending on pens, clips, markers, and stationery by adopting cloud-based systems, software, and solutions. Think about it: how much does your company spend on printer ink, maintenance, and replacements? We bet that this amount is quite high!
By migrating to a digital operation supported by Green IT, it is possible to strategically reduce all these expenses.
Strengthens and improves organizational culture
Investing in Green IT shows employees that your company is committed to the future of the planet. In practice, this helps create an ethical and responsible culture, encouraging good practices across the team.
In a broader analysis, this may be an additional factor to ensure talent retention and engagement, particularly among younger generations who view sustainability as a non-negotiable value.
What are Green IT certifications?
With the growing awareness and need to shift to a Green IT model, the market itself created seals and certifications focused on sustainable issues.
Although not mandatory, they help show customers, investors, and society a brand’s commitment to environmental preservation. Discover the main ones!
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is a globally recognized certification, extremely relevant in today’s market. Companies with this recognition have an efficient Environmental Management System, which follows rules and good practices essential for nature conservation.
It is important to note that the standard outlines strategies for identifying risks, opportunities, and prioritizing initiatives, providing a comprehensive document with valuable guidelines for achieving strong results.
ISO 5001
ISO 5001 is another globally recognized certification that establishes an Energy Management System. It focuses on energy consumption within companies of all sizes and segments, from industry to services.
Earning this certification demonstrates a company’s conscious energy consumption. In addition, it makes it clear that the brand is actively committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Carbon Neutral Seal
The Carbon Neutral Seal is a certification aimed at identifying companies that succeed in neutralizing their CO2 emissions. This means that companies offset the environmental impacts of their operations.
It is undoubtedly a strong indicator of sustainable practices and a focus on preserving the planet. Remember that achieving zero emissions does not mean ceasing all greenhouse gas emissions, but rather adopting methods to rebalance the atmosphere, such as planting trees.
PROCEL
The PROCEL Seal is awarded to equipment and products with high energy efficiency. To receive this, they undergo rigorous laboratory testing to verify that they use energy economically and safely.
It is worth mentioning that this is one of the most well-known seals to the average consumer. Currently, appliances and even cars are tested and classified to guide and inform buyers.
How to transform IT into Green IT in your business?
Making your operation greener is a challenge, but the benefits outweigh the efforts. The question is: where to start?
As we said, many organizations don’t know how to transform their IT into Green IT. That’s why we’ve selected some strategies and tips to help you take the first steps and make a difference in the world. Check it out!
Invest in cloud solutions
Cloud Computing is one of your main allies in your Green IT journey. If you haven’t started migrating to the cloud yet, this is another reason to make the move.
With the cloud, you can digitize the operation – either partially or completely. That way, you can leverage third-party solutions (SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS) to maximize productivity while reducing costs and carbon emissions.
Additionally, depending on the provider you choose, you may benefit from unique resources and a whole connectivity ecosystem capable of improving your operation.
And how does this benefit the environment? In a practical way, it reduces hardware purchases and even enables remote work, avoiding unnecessary employee travel.
Educate your team
Training, qualifications, and guidance are necessary to help your team understand not just what Green IT is, but why applying its principles is essential.
This is a good practice that can be implemented quickly and yields good results. The truth is that we rarely discuss the subject in everyday corporate life, but every employee can play a part.
Encourage the conscious use of paper, disposable cups, the bathroom sink and artificial lighting. These small efforts add up to astonishing results.
Extend the lifespan of your IT equipment
One of the most strategic ways to join Green IT is to reduce the unnecessary purchases of new IT equipment by implementing different actions:
- Purchase high-quality equipment with a longer lifespan;
- Invest in predictive maintenance to avoid irreversible damage;
- Raise awareness among your team on equipment care.
Adopt alternative energy sources
What do you think about investing in alternative energy sources? Brazil is a country with great solar energy potential, for example, and companies need to make better use of this resource.
In addition to considerably lowering electricity bills, investing in sustainable energy sources ensures conscious economic development with minimal environmental impact.
Choose environmentally conscious partners
Finally, remember that Green IT is the result of an ecosystem of like-minded companies. Therefore, work with suppliers that are environmentally conscious and committed to Green IT.
One way to ensure this is by seeking certified companies that meet global evaluation standards. Ascenty, for example, holds several certifications, including ISO 14001 and Zero Carbon.
What are you doing for a green future?
Did this answer your questions about Green IT? Our goal with this content is to provide a comprehensive overview of the importance of engaging in sustainable practices.
This is a commitment Ascenty takes very seriously and we strive to encourage in the market and among our customers. Every company can make a difference. Join us on this journey!
Now that read this far, why not check out our ESG Report? Every year, Ascenty shares its initiatives and main results in efforts to promote a more just, ethical and environmentally balanced world.
Check it out here and get inspired!
