Projections indicate that by 2040, the information and communications technology sector could contribute to 14% of the world's carbon footprint, and while this increase from 1.5% in 2007 is alarming, there is hope. According to a techUK report, digital technology has the potential to slash global emissions by as much as 15% by 2030, with key technologies such as cloud computing, 5G, AI, and IoT all identified as instrumental in achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions across various sectors.

Key to the shift towards sustainable business practices is the nuanced integration of technology and greater environmental awareness into their own ecosystems. From the optimisation of code and server infrastructure to the strategic use of data centres and content delivery networks (CDNs), many businesses are confronted with a balancing act – how best to streamline operations for efficiency while concurrently curbing their environmental footprint.

By fine-tuning code and embracing best practices in software development, companies can significantly reduce their energy consumption, reflecting a commitment to both operational excellence and ecological responsibility.

Optimisation of code and server infrastructure

Recognising the environmental impact of today’s heightened technological requirements, developers must now consider the ecological consequences of their code. Even seemingly minor inefficiencies can aggregate on large-scale projects, contributing to heightened energy consumption.

Estimates suggest that the carbon footprint of our devices, the internet, and their supporting systems accounts for approximately 3.7% of global greenhouse emissions. To address this, a crucial strategy emerges: optimising code and server infrastructure to curb needless waste.

The process starts by carefully choosing algorithms and data structures that are both time- and space-efficient. Using code profiling tools can help identify performance issues, allowing for fine-tuning in critical areas to minimise processing time.

Businesses are becoming more aware of the importance of cutting down their carbon footprint, but often struggle to reach their green goals without hurting their bottom line. Optimal code and server setups provide a practical way to reach sustainability targets. By adopting efficient algorithms, wisely allocating resources, and making smart hardware choices, businesses can cut down on energy use, reduce operational expenses, and contribute to a greener future.
By embracing renewable energy sources to power data centres, businesses can further demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Load balancing algorithms and energy-aware task scheduling techniques contribute to the optimisation effort, ensuring judicious server resource allocation for enhanced operational efficiency.

Going lean

Activity on popular social media platforms, such as Instagram, generates substantial data traffic and energy consumption. One 2020 study in France revealed that scrolling through Instagram's newsfeed for just a minute is equivalent to driving 13 meters in a car. Now, as the user base and activity levels on short-form video apps grow, so do their energy requirements.

Cultivating a commitment to constant enhancement is vital to lean development. Maintaining digital products in a state of agility and perpetual refinement mirrors a user-focused philosophy that prioritises user experience and sustainability over engagement.

At the core of this environmental impact strategy is the adoption of a ‘going lean’ mindset – achieving the maximal output from their available resources. To this end, code reuse is a pivotal element of building clean, modular, and efficient software. This not only reduces the likelihood of introducing bugs but also aligns with best practices in software development, leading to substantial reductions in energy consumption.

While recycling code can lead to leaner, more efficient functions and features, developers must also reconsider the value that those features contribute. Do the benefits of each feature outweigh their own environmental and economical cost? Or do they instead accumulate unnecessary data, overloading apps with needless add-ons that leave data centres consuming more electricity?

Minimising data centre footprint

According to the National Grid ESO, the 400-600 acknowledged commercial data centres in Britain collectively contribute to 2.5% of the UK’s total electricity consumption. Up to 40% of this energy is allocated to cooling systems for data centre HVAC rather than for additional computing performance.

An important aspect of contemporary sustainability strategies is a deliberate and strategic approach to the selection of data centres. The focus is on prioritising energy-efficient facilities that rely on renewable sources for power, aimed at reducing these centres overall carbon footprint.

Content delivery networks (CDNs) can play a pivotal role in optimising the speed and connectivity of digital services. CDNs strategically position servers at exchange points between different networks, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption by minimising the distance data must travel. This creates a more streamlined and environmentally conscious process for delivering data.

Further, the use of green hosting providers that use renewable energy sources allows business to operate knowing they are employing energy-efficient practices that align with both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Sustainable preference

It is not only modern businesses that have placed a higher priority on sustainable development and operation, but consumers themselves. A customer interview jointly conducted by IBM and the National Retail Federation found that 66% of customers driven by purpose express a preference for sustainable products, encouraging retailers to highlight their green credentials – an example non-retail businesses should seek to replicate. 

Ultimately, creating sustainable technology not only aligns with environmental goals but also provides businesses, especially startups, with a differentiating advantage in attracting clients who value sustainability. As we navigate the intersection of technology and environmental responsibility, the choices businesses make when it comes to every stage of development and working practices have the power to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for both themselves and our planet.