As we celebrate Earth Day 2024,  we stand at the crossroads of environmental crisis, and the role of technology in shaping our planet’s future cannot be overstated.

Green IT is a drive for a more sustainable and responsible digital landscape. In this article, we delve into the significance of Green IT and its impact on our world.

What Is Green IT?

Green IT is more than a trendy buzzword or “green washing”; it’s a paradigm shift. It encompasses practices that prioritise environmental sustainability within the technology sector for the entire computing lifecycle and supply chain.

The carbon emissions from technology has historically been a hidden, but sizeable contributor and accounts for nearly 4% of global emissions[1]. The dramatic rise in the use of AI accounts for 1% of global emissions.  [2]Technology obsolescence creates generation of considerable levels of electronics waste (e-Waste), much of which is not recovered.

e-Waste contains as many as 17 different metals, including precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, nickel, and palladium. One tonne of e-waste contains more gold than 17 tonnes of mined ore.[3]

How Can Your Organisation Embrace Green IT?

For a holistic view of Green IT, we need to consider and address:-

  1. Minimising Energy Use: From data centres to personal devices, optimising energy usage is vital. Consideration also needs to be given to outsourced computing, such as cloud services and AI tools.
  2. Resource Conservation: Doing more with less. Green IT encourages efficient resource utilisation, reducing e-waste and promoting circular economy principles. This links in with existing sustainability practices “Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle”.
  3. Eco-Friendly Practices and Education: Think of it as technology with a conscience. Green IT aims to minimise the carbon footprint, combat climate change, and protect our planet. New procurements should include the impact, durability, serviceability, and material recovery for all new technology. Particular attention should be given to the emissions over the lifecycle and how this will impact the overall emissions for the organisation.
 Conclusion

Green IT isn’t an option; it’s imperative that this sizeable emissions impact is tackled with the same vigour as other carbon emission reduction schemes, such as transport and building usage.

Let’s harness technology’s potential for positive change. By embracing Green IT, we invest not only in our organisation but also in the health of our planet.

We’d welcome enquiries to speak with one of our Sustainability specialists, to explore how we can assist your organisation in making positive steps in making Green IT a sustainability priority.

[1] Everything You Need to Know About Green IT in 2024 (greenly.earth)

[2] AI emissions are fueling a new doomerism. This time it’s climate change | Fortune

[3] A world without waste: how gold mining is going green – rethink (ft.com)

To discover how TIAA can help your organisation embrace Green IT please contact Peter Sheppard, Director – Digital Assurance, peter.sheppard@tiaa.co.uk