IT IS CRUCIAL TO ADOPT RENEWABLE ENERGY , BUT THE SPACE REQUIRED , AND THE EXPENSE OF TECHNOLOGIES LIKE SOLAR PANELS AND WIND TURBINES , MEANS MORE CREATIVE SOLUTIONS NEED TO BE FOUND .
E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
JASON KOFFLER , CEO , CRITICAL POWER SUPPLIES
The CIO role has expanded to incorporate broader organisational strategies , with sustainability often at the centre . Aligning IT strategies with the organisation ' s sustainability goals ensures that technology is used responsibly , contributes to sustainable business practices and can lead to cost savings in the long run .
Initiatives such as energy-efficient data centres can reduce energy consumption , lower operational costs and improve overall efficiency , making sustainability a key responsibility for
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IT IS CRUCIAL TO ADOPT RENEWABLE ENERGY , BUT THE SPACE REQUIRED , AND THE EXPENSE OF TECHNOLOGIES LIKE SOLAR PANELS AND WIND TURBINES , MEANS MORE CREATIVE SOLUTIONS NEED TO BE FOUND .
CIOs . Particularly in the data centre industry , technological advancement and environmental responsibility are key areas of consideration so the sector provides a useful lens through which we can understand the growing significance of sustainability .
The idea of a green data centre seems unrealistic , demand is being fuelled by the rapid expansion of cloud services and generative AI , both of which are power and water-intensive technologies . The concentration of data centres in certain regions leads to grid capacity issues and underlines the need for investment in infrastructure . While governments set policies , it is the end-users who bear the financial burden of such investments . This dynamic creates a challenge for the industry to find a balance between expansion and sustainable practices .
It is crucial to adopt renewable energy , but the space required , and the expense of technologies like solar panels and wind turbines , means more creative solutions need to be found . There is a delicate balance between saving money , investing in sustainable technologies and offsetting carbon emissions .
The pursuit of net zero has become a common goal across industries , but the main issue with achieving it at a decent pace is around how you operate and power buildings . Developing effective strategies requires upfront investment in surveys , carbon reduction plans and net zero managers . However , the incremental gains achieved through a sustained commitment to sustainability , akin to droplets in a waterfall , ultimately contribute to a powerful force for positive change .
The issue of sustainability is multifaceted , and CIOs play a pivotal role . They need to manage the complexities of energy prices , infrastructure challenges and the quest for net zero , while balancing technological expansion with environmental responsibility . Integrating sustainability into the CIO role is driven by the recognition that responsible and sustainable business practices are not only ethical but also essential for longterm success and resilience . �
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