Decarbonisation summer series 03. Leverage technology
Welcome to the third part of Verco's summer series to take action on decarbonisation!
This third issue focusses on Digital Sustainability and the opportunities for organisations to align their digital transformation with their sustainability commitments.
Part 03. Leverage technology for decarbonisation
Excitement around the potential of AI and digital solutions is palpable, with research from the UN Global Compact finding that 97% of executives believe Gen AI will transform their industry over the next 3-5 years.
However, there remains a concern that rising emissions fuelled by digital solutions and the data centres behind them will outweigh any benefits. Digital activities already account for 3–4% of global emissions. Demand for computing power and AI is rising sharply, making IT a fast-growing source of emissions.
If your business is exploring digital decarbonisation, you may find yourself navigating the trade-off between rising emissions from digital solutions and the benefits those solutions offer.
What’s clear is that currently, there is no definitive right or wrong position. It’s important that businesses engage their key stakeholders – internally and externally – to ensure there is alignment on how digital decarbonisation is adopted.
Making the right decision on digital decarbonisation
For businesses looking to leverage digital decarbonisation there are three broad opportunity areas that can be considered:
1. Buildings and facilities: Reduce emissions through green data centres, building energy management and energy efficient lighting and HVAC.
2. Hardware and software: Cut embodied carbon and accelerate impact and innovation through software platforms, IT device life-cycle management and sustainable AI.
3. Governance and engagement: Support decision making and embed sustainability through policies, training and guidance.
Of these opportunities, it is perhaps sustainable AI that is the most promising and most problematic; is it possible to achieve high performance models that optimize energy efficiency, while reducing carbon emissions and without compromising results?
To help companies navigate this uncertainty, Verco’s parent company BIP has extensive experience, partnering with the likes of Microsoft and Google Cloud to stay at the forefront of thinking on sustainable AI.
Sustainable AI download
Click the button below for more information on Sustainable AI and how we can support you.
How are you overcoming the costs of decarbonisation?
Verco has access to hundreds of costed decarbonisation projects, with evidenced ROI and OPEX/CAPEX considerations. Whether your priority is optimising obvious topics like energy management or driving action on underutelised decarbonisation drivers like Green IT and digital decarbonisation, we can talk you through the options available to you.
Let us know if you're interested in a call over the summer (or what's left of it!) to discuss the right decarbonisation opportunities for your business.