Just in time for European Sustainability Week and the German Sustainability Action Days, expert Yelle Lieder, Green IT Lead at adesso, gives companies ten tips on how to improve their carbon footprint in using digital tools.
1. Data minimisation
An IT infrastructure is like a minimalist work of art – every superfluous file is like a distracting blob on the canvas. Regularly deleting unnecessary files, uninstalling unused applications and strictly organising incoming emails transform IT into a lean, energy-efficient masterpiece. Every saved file consumes energy, so it’s time to declutter and save.
2. Optimise email usage
Emails are the silent energy guzzlers in everyday digital life. They cause quite a bit of server load. Business can drive down data traffic through targeted measures, such as unsubscribing from unnecessary newsletters or carefully selecting recipient groups. Compressed attachments or cloud solutions such as OneDrive or Dropbox also help to minimise the load on digital infrastructure and reduce energy consumption.
3. Device energy savings
Devices left on standby are like sleeping vampires that secretly suck electricity. They should be switched off completely, as people often underestimate their cumulative electricity consumption. Frequent employee training and reminders are simple and effective measures to raise awareness in everyday working life.
4. Hardware maintenance
Regular care and maintenance can help extend the service life of devices. Protective covers, for example, offer additional protection against damage. Defective devices should also be repaired or, if this is not possible, responsibly recycled or donated. This helps companies significantly reduce electronic waste.
5. Choosing sustainable technology
Consciously opting for eco-friendly digital tools can be a decisive factor. Companies should check the environmental standards of vendors and favour products with low energy consumption and recyclable materials. By doing this, they encourage the use of environmentally friendly solutions and set an example for a sustainable future.
6. Reusing data
Why reinvent the wheel? Efficiency is the key to sustainability. Existing digital content and resources can often be reused, which can significantly reduce resource consumption. Companies can share presentations and documents internally to avoid duplication of work and unnecessary use of energy.
7. Virtualisation and cloud solutions
Virtualisation and cloud solutions increase the efficiency of IT infrastructure – especially in data centres that use renewable energy. This can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
8. Energy consumption optimisation
It is a good idea to continuously monitor the energy consumption of IT systems. This helps reveal inefficient processes. Regular updates and optimisation of these processes can reduce energy consumption in the long term.
9. Promoting mobility and remote working
Promoting remote working and decentralised working models does not just offer more flexibility to employees. It also means less travelling. And less travelling means less CO2 emissions – a benefit for everyone.
10. Sustainable procurement
The procurement of IT equipment and services can also be an area of sustainable action. Companies should give preference to suppliers who are committed to environmentally friendly practices and are therefore also mindful of their customers’ ecological footprint.
“Sustainability is the key to long-term success for companies”, says Lieder. “Over the next 20 years, initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the German Climate Protection Act will mean ever stricter emission limits and increased reporting obligations. These will require innovative solutions and a change in behaviour in professional and private life. Acting now is a responsible business move”.
