20 Smart Practices for Businesses and Tech Teams to Go Green

In today’s world, the call for sustainability has never been louder. Businesses across various industries are on a mission to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt more eco-conscious practices. Technology plays a crucial role in this transformation, but paradoxically, it also contributes to increased energy consumption globally. This makes it imperative for tech teams to not only leverage technology for sustainability but also ensure that their tech solutions are as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible. In this article, we’ll explore 20 smart practices that businesses and tech teams can embrace to “go green.”

1. Embrace The Cloud

Satish Shetty of Codeproof Technologies Inc. suggests integrating sustainability into technical operations through cloud computing and virtualization. By doing so, businesses can cut energy consumption, reduce their carbon footprint, and scale operations efficiently. Many cloud providers offer energy-efficient data centers powered by renewables, making it a green choice that can also save costs.

2. Explore Capacity And Power Management Options Within The Cloud

Mark Brown from the British Standards Institution (BSI) emphasizes the importance of adopting capacity management, power management policies, and power cycling features within the cloud IT data center environment. These practices not only lead to cost optimization but also offer sustainability advantages.

3. Upgrade To More Energy-Efficient Facilities

Trevor Dryer of Carbon Title reminds us that real estate accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrading to greener, energy-efficient offices and data centers can significantly enhance the sustainability of tech operations.

4. Establish A Comprehensive IT Platform

Richard Ricks of Silver Tree Consulting and Services suggests adopting a holistic approach to IT operations by creating a comprehensive IT platform. Such a platform should enable businesses to evolve, take advantage of innovations, and automate processes to integrate sustainability effectively.

5. Reduce ‘Dark’ Data

Malcolm Hawker from Profisee emphasizes the need to reduce “dark” data, which is data that is never used. This involves revisiting data governance policies and implementing systems to automatically discover and archive unused data, reducing unnecessary resource consumption.

6. Invest In Renewable Energy Sources

Kiran Bhujle of SVAM International Inc. recommends investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power data centers and offset energy consumption. Green data centers with efficient power distribution and recycling systems play a vital role in sustainable practices.

7. Follow Green Computing Practices

Ken Pomella of RevStar highlights the significance of green computing practices, including optimizing data centers, adopting cloud computing, responsible e-waste management, and employee training on sustainability. These practices help reduce environmental impact, save costs, and meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers.

8. Focus On Efficiency

Ramki Pitchuiyer of Ascendo AI advises avoiding unnecessary duplicate efforts and striving for efficiency when executing programs, projects, or products. Defining success metrics and timelines for efficiency can help reduce resource consumption.

9. Take A Look At Your Tech Partners

WaiJe Coler of InfoTracer suggests scrutinizing technology partners and ensuring that they follow green standards. This includes assessing servers and cloud computing solutions for their use of green energy sources to reduce overall energy consumption.

10. Clean Up Unnecessary Code

Laureen Knudsen of Broadcom highlights the importance of cleaning up unnecessary or inefficient code, whether it’s internally developed or sourced from vendors. Removing excess code can save resources and reduce energy consumption.

11. Outsource Short-Term Work Surges

Yuriy Berdnikov of Perpetio recommends outsourcing short-term workload surges instead of expanding office spaces, buying more computers, and hiring additional specialists. This approach can be more sustainable and cost-effective.

12. Carefully Consider Data Storage Options

Lewis Wynne-Jones of ThinkData Works encourages smart data storage practices, such as maintaining “hot” and “cold” storage to limit energy consumption and environmental impact while saving costs.

13. Allow Remote Work Arrangements

Matt Pierce of Immediate suggests promoting remote work to reduce carbon emissions, pollution, and energy costs associated with commuting. It’s a sustainable practice that aligns with the modern workplace.

14. Leverage Server Virtualization

Nicolas Vidal of Global Task points out that server virtualization can reduce energy consumption, heat generation, and space requirements by allowing multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server. This approach is both sustainable and cost-effective.

15. Establish Internal Equipment Recycling

Lior Yaari of Grip Security recommends creating internal marketplaces or freecycle sites to encourage the reuse or repurposing of equipment. This reduces waste and supports sustainability.

16. Opt For Eco-Friendly Services And Solutions

Vinita Rathi of Systango advises businesses to opt for eco-friendly services and solutions, such as energy-efficient software and consultancies specializing in sustainable IT strategies. These choices align with environmental goals and contribute to a greener future.

17. Utilize AI And The IoT To Optimize Energy Use

Marc Rutzen of HelloData.ai emphasizes the use of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to optimize energy consumption. AI can enhance data center efficiency, while the IoT can manage lighting and HVAC systems intelligently, reducing energy waste and costs.

18. Go Paperless

Neelima Mangal of Spectrum North suggests adopting a paperless culture, including digital reporting, electronic signatures, and document digitization. This not only promotes sustainability but also improves accessibility and reduces environmental impact.

19. Hold A ‘Sustainability Hackathon’

Andres Zunino of ZirconTech proposes organizing a “sustainability hackathon” to engage employees in creating innovative, sustainable solutions tailored to their roles and departments. This fosters a culture of sustainability, reduces carbon footprints, and stimulates creativity.

20. Begin Lifecycle Carbon Accounting

Kevin Korte of Univention advocates for lifecycle carbon accounting, which considers the carbon costs of running and maintaining a business. This approach helps leaders make informed decisions to reduce the total carbon costs of their business operations.

In conclusion, businesses and tech teams can make a significant impact on sustainability by implementing these smart practices. By embracing green technology and sustainable operations, they not only reduce their environmental footprint but also enhance cost-efficiency and meet the growing demand for eco-conscious products and services. In a world where environmental responsibility is paramount, going green is not just a choice—it’s a necessity.