Sustainable Technology and Green IT Blog

By: Hamzah Arar, Simran Parmar, Abraham Tang, Bellamy Wynans

Introduction

"In the long run, the only solution I see to the problem of diversity is the expansion of mankind into the universe by means of green technology... Green technology means we do not live in cans but adapt our plants and our animals and ourselves to live wild in the universe as we find it." - Freeman Dyson

Sustainable Technology

Innovation that minimizes environmental impact focuses on reducing resource consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting renewable resources. It supports social and economic sustainability by fostering eco-friendly practices and driving long-term positive change for the company and the environment.

Sustainable technology involves a wide variety of eco-friendly solutions ranging from clean, sustainable energy like Solar panels and wind turbines to disposal like biodegradable or recyclable materials.

   Photo 1: Google uses 100% recyclable aluminum for their hardware  

What is Green IT?

Green IT is the practice of implementing environmentally friendly standards into business design, manufacturing, and operation. It is one of the most prominent information technology concepts that holds companies accountable for their actions.

Three Components of Success in Green IT 

1. Environment

• Aims to reduce the negative impact on the planet's ecology (Pollution, waste, high carbon emission, etc.) by electronics

2. Market advantage

• Alignment to the current industry value of ethical business practices that can attract customers and investors 
• The standard can be represented by environmental, social, and governance (ESG). ESG reports the company's progress in societal contribution to essential stakeholders, and Green IT will be part of the report

3. Internal

• Establish strong corporate cultures with all employees on board to reinforce eco-friendly values. This includes strengthening relationships across departments when all share the same values

Video 1: Detailed explanation of ESG reporting and their relationship to Green IT

General Managers Concerns

Advantages

• Saves costs while allowing energy-efficient appliances and services to form and redefine markets
• Creates an environmentally conscious brand image for corporations, no matter size or industry, further enhancing brand reputation
• Aids companies by supplying a competitive edge and advantage, thus moulding an environment-friendly reputation and potential collaboration

Disadvantages

• High initial implementation costs, calling for an increase in funding
• Demands a need for the restructuring of current systems and infostructure within companies
• Requires sufficient financials and resources from a company to help acquire and utilize scarce materials

  

                                                                         Photo 2: Tesla's newest fully electric Cybertruck model 

Future of Green Technology

By 2050, Canada plans to reduce the nation's broad emissions to a net zero.

Implications 

With the government pushing forward policy, developments in Green IT and technologies like solar power, renewable energy, and electric vehicles will play an integral role in reducing carbon emissions, adapting the economy to an increasing demand for environmental sustainability, and reaching the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Green IT includes disruptive technologies. Even without the assistance of government officials, these innovations will only improve efficiency and pricing and eventually overtake the older market. The phenomenon will soon be widespread globally, with the highest end of the industry completely embracing Green IT.

Video 2: discusses the future of sustainable technology

Barriers to Adoption

1. Awareness- Some companies may not see the benefit or growing demand for sustainable technology 

2. Implementation Costs- High initial investment that won’t make much short-term profit

3. Lack of Resources- Geographical availability / added expenses

4. Company Compatibility- Is it a feasible business model long-term, considering current technologies used by the company 

References

Canada, S. (2024a, September 3). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/net-zero-emissions-2050.html 

Canada, S. (2024b, September 3). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/net-zero-emissions-2050.html 

Kadymov, M. (2024a, August 13). Council post: The benefits of going green for businesses. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/12/19/the-benefits-of-going-green-for-businesses/ 

Kadymov, M. (2024b, August 13). Council post: The benefits of going green for businesses. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/12/19/the-benefits-of-going-green-for-businesses/ 

Leading-edge technology improves speed, efficiency and accuracyReduces long-haul trips. (2022, April 13). Walmart Canada opens high-tech, Sustainable Grocery Distribution Centre in Surrey, B.C. Walmart Canada Corporate News and Information. https://www.walmartcanada.ca/news/2022/04/13/walmart-canada-opens-high-tech-sustainable-grocery-distribution-centre-in-surrey-b-c 

Lutkevich, B., & McLaughlin, E. (2024, June 12). What is green it (Green Information Technology) and why is it important?. Search CIO. https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/green-IT-green-information-technology 

Relander, B. (n.d.). Green Technology: A solid investment choice?. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/040915/investing-green-technologythe-future-now.asp#:~:text=Green%20technology%20can%20be%20used,also%20use%20resources%20more%20efficiently. 

Rose, A., & Amelia RoseAmelia Rose is a leading expert in Environmental. (2024, August 22). Green it: Sustainable Technology for the Future - LytHouse: Empowering sustainability. Lythouse. https://www.lythouse.com/blog/green-it-green-information-technology#:~:text=Importance%20of%20Green%20IT%20in%20Modern%20Businesses&text=Firstly%2C%20adopting%20sustainable%20IT%20practices,lower%20their%20energy%20consumption%20dramatically.