As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital technologies, the environmental impact of data and the devices that process it is growing exponentially. From the energy demands of data centres to the mounting challenge of electronic waste, our digital lives come with significant ecological costs.
However, businesses can address these challenges with their sustainability strategies. The solution? Digital sustainability which involves managing technology in ways that minimise environmental harm while maximising long-term benefits. Keep reading to learn how to champion digital sustainability in your organisation.
What is digital sustainability?
Digital sustainability refers to the practice of designing, using, and managing digital technologies in ways that minimise their environmental impact while promoting long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits.
It involves both reducing the ecological footprint of digital technologies and harnessing the power of digital innovations to support broader sustainability goals. Digital sustainability is important because it addresses environmental challenges associated with digital infrastructure, like energy consumption and electronic waste, while also focusing on how digital tools can drive sustainability efforts across various sectors.
Understanding the environmental impact of data
Below are some of the key environmental impacts of data.
- Energy consumption: Storing and processing data requires large-scale infrastructure, including data centres and networks, which consume vast amounts of electricity. The more data is generated and stored, the more energy is required to maintain this infrastructure. Depending on the energy mix of the region, this can contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
- Data centres: These facilities house thousands of servers that process and store data. Cooling systems in data centres are also energy-intensive, as servers need to be kept at optimal temperatures to function efficiently. It is estimated that data centres account for between 1 and 2 percent of global electricity use, and this share is expected to rise with the growing demand for data services.
- Data transmission: The energy required to transmit data over networks, including the internet and mobile networks, adds to the overall impact. Video streaming, for example, is particularly energy-intensive, accounting for a significant portion of global data traffic and thus requiring large amounts of energy.
- Electronic waste (e-waste): The devices that store, process, and transmit data eventually reach the end of their life cycle and contribute to the global e-waste problem. E-waste contains toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and water if not properly recycled. The constant need to upgrade hardware to handle increasing data loads exacerbates the problem, as old equipment becomes obsolete and discarded.
- Resource depletion: The production of data-related hardware requires the extraction of raw materials, including rare earth elements and metals. Mining for these materials has significant environmental consequences, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and increased carbon emissions. As demand for data infrastructure grows, so does the demand for these finite resources.
- Water Usage: Data centres often use vast amounts of water for cooling purposes, particularly in facilities that rely on water-cooled systems. This can strain local water resources, especially in regions that experience water scarcity. Additionally, the manufacturing of electronic devices for data storage and transmission consumes significant amounts of water, contributing further to the overall environmental impact of data.
How to champion digital sustainability
Championing digital sustainability involves adopting practices that minimise the environmental impact of digital technologies while promoting their responsible use. Here are some practical tips on how businesses can be more eco-conscious.
Optimise energy efficiency
Opt for energy-efficient computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Look for products certified by energy standards such as ENERGY STAR. Another simple measure organisations can take to optimise energy efficiency is to turn off devices when not in use to reduce standby energy consumption. Finally, optimise your devices by adjusting power settings on devices to enter sleep mode when idle, reducing energy consumption during periods of inactivity.
Reduce data footprint
A first step organisations can take to reduce their data footprint is regularly cleaning out and organising their cloud storage to reduce data clutter. Delete unnecessary files, backups, and old versions that consume energy in data centres. In addition, consider streaming in lower resolutions to reduce energy consumption and opt for links when sharing files instead of sending large attachments via email.
Support renewable energy for data centres
Businesses looking to champion digital sustainability should choose web hosting providers that power their data centres with renewable energy or have a commitment to carbon neutrality. Moreover, when selecting cloud service providers, prioritise those that use renewable energy for their data centres or have clear sustainability initiatives.
Extend the life of digital devices
Extend the lifespan of electronic devices by repairing rather than replacing them. Upgrade components like RAM or storage instead of buying new devices. When the time comes that you need to purchase new electronic devices, consider buying refurbished or second-hand devices that have been restored to good working condition. Finally, remember to recycle your electronic devices at certified e-waste recycling facilities to ensure materials are properly disposed of or repurposed.
Optimise data usage and digital workflows
Encourage the development and use of lightweight, optimised apps and websites that consume less data and processing power. Similarly, stream workflows to reduce redundant data processing and storage as this can reduce the load on servers and curb energy use.
Choose digital minimalism
Embrace digital minimalism by reducing the number of devices and apps you use. Opt for more efficient, multipurpose tools that serve your needs with fewer resources. Likewise, regularly declutter digital spaces, like emails, apps, and files, to reduce unnecessary energy consumption in cloud storage and on devices.
Final thoughts
Embracing digital sustainability is not only essential for reducing the environmental impact of data but also for ensuring that digital technologies remain a force for good in the fight against climate change and resource depletion. By making more conscious choices, businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering a more eco-friendly digital ecosystem.
