Technology requires energy. With 4.1 million of us now being internet connected (and it will continue to grow) and with sources of that energy still being reliant on fossil fuels or ‘non-renewable’ if you prefer, the impact of that usage will continue to grow. We as a species are now so reliant on technology, whether work or leisure, it is only right that not only should a technology solution provide cost efficiencies or time reductions for a business but it should do so whilst minimising social and environmental impact (as part of a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR))
It was with great interest that I read Ecologi’s blog on “How much is the internet contributing to carbon emissions?” and I would encourage everyone here to do the same, however, it did get me thinking about the solutions and digital transformation services PacSol provide and how these could contribute to reducing impact.
Here are just three reasons why a well planned, implemented, maintained and continuously improved digital transformation project can benefit the planet and your company’s shareholders!
The UK government estimates just 100,000 sheets of A4 paper has a carbon footprint of 6,000kg and requires eight trees and 2,000kWh of energy – the same paper recycled seven times produces 3,200kg of carbon over its lifetime.
Much like shipping multiple items in one go can reduce the overall cost per item, shifting processing away from individual devices to larger, optimised and centralised processes reduces the single item impact. Whilst the above is by no means an exhaustive list, by removing repetitive transactions such as email and by centralising data storage to avoid duplication in email or even the copy / transfer of files across systems, tonnes of carbon could be avoided!
There is a ‘cost’ to storing an object and having duplications on servers, workstations, mail boxes, cloud drives etc will drive up the total energy consumption and potentially increase the material resource requirements of a business.
As highlighted in several previous blogs, digital transformation is about using technology to increase the efficiency of business processes, reduce financial / security / reputational risk and allow businesses and employees to realise their full potential. Whilst a digital world can have a negative impact on our world (Amazon shopping searches account for the equivalent of how many million cups of tea!?), with the right solution, there are gains to be made for both business, the human race and our planet.
So what changes can you make starting today?
Toby Gilbertson, Customer Services Manager. May 2022.
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