5 ways technology is contributing to sustainability

Sustainability is a common goal in organizations today. Technology, along with science and innovation, plays a crucial role in a nation’s development. Science systematically gathers knowledge, technology helps in applying this knowledge, and innovation involves adopting different methods to produce and use goods and services.

It’s interesting to know how technology contributes to sustainability.

Technology and sustainability

Despite the negative impact of technology on sustainable development represented in the depletion of resources, increased energy consumption, and environmental damage; Databases, IoT technologies, artificial intelligence, and cloud storage services have facilitated the transition to sustainability. They can identify and adequately address potential negative impacts.

Sustainability requires transformation and most organizations are discovering how to consolidate new technologies and measures to proceed with their social-ecological development and framework. Technology is shaping sustainability and enabling advanced levels of productivity and efficiency.

Cloud computing

Cloud Computing provides a relevant role in reducing the Carbon Footprint. Choosing Cloud over on-premises deployments can help reduce carbon emissions. The ability

• to scale technology,
• to share resources,
• the elimination of physical assets,
• in sum the reduction of the total cost of ownership of IT and
• enabling new solutions for smart grids, buildings, optimized logistics, and dematerialization have an impact on global carbon emissions.

In cloud computing sustainability, companies such as Microsoft are following the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly which will hopefully be achieved by the year 2030. Responsible technology governance is a must and Microsoft took the pledge to be Carbon Negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030 and by 2050 will remove all the carbon that the company has emitted since it was founded in 1975.

Areas where technology is contributing to sustainability

Sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future abilities.

Energy

Technology provides sustainable solutions through renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. These sources of energy are clean, affordable and renewable and their integration can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change, and promote development.

Agriculture

Technology can contribute to sustainable agriculture through precision farming, which involves the use of technologies such as drones, sensors, and GPS to improve crop yields, reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and conserve water.

Water

Technology can provide sustainable solutions for water management through the use of smart water systems, which involve the use of sensors and data analytics to monitor and manage water resources. 

Transportation

Transportation is a critical aspect of development, and technology can provide sustainable solutions through electric vehicles, smart public transportation systems, and green logistics. 

Waste Management

Technology can provide sustainable solutions for waste management through the use of waste-to-energy technologies, recycling, and composting.

Many studies confirmed that technology has a fundamental role in improving performance in the environmental field, enhancing resource management and raising awareness of environmental risks by eliminating the phenomenon of deforestation and raising energy efficiency. Technology can facilitate access to sustainable development goals, but its responsible use remains essential to ensure that it is benefited from without causing any harm.