Sustainable Digitalization to combat climate change

As technology becomes a partner in all aspects of our lives and shapes our societies, ensuring this change happens sustainably becomes even more important.

We explore what this sustainable digitization is, the keys to achieving it, and why you should introduce it into your processes.

What is sustainable digitalization?

According to Digital SME, sustainable digitalization is about strengthening the digital sovereignty of companies and organizations by enabling the double transition of our economy.

Also known as sustainable digital transformation, the concept refers to the process of digitizing the economy in a lasting, green, and organic way. It aims to support and facilitate the double transition to a green and digital economy by harnessing the power of innovative companies and their business ecosystems.

In order to achieve this, it is based on three main pillars:

• Sustainable B2B digitalization: a process of symbiotic relationships between companies that result in non-digital companies becoming digital pioneers thanks to others specializing in ICT.
• Greener technologies and circular economy: circular economy models for hardware, CPU, and server-neutral server centers, advances in software to reduce energy consumption, etc., must be pursued.
• A regulatory and policy framework that favors innovation: policymakers must enable companies to use circular economy models and innovate in greener technologies.

Challenges of sustainable digitalization

Digitalization and care for the environment must always go hand in hand to create future consumers and professionals who share these values, as well as to preserve the environment and the well-being of future generations.

However, the main challenges facing digital sustainability are as follows.

Energy efficiency

A major focus of technologies is the energy and natural resources they consume, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. To address this challenge, it is necessary to promote efficiency at all stages of the digital technology lifecycle, from production to disposal, including the use of more efficient and sustainable technologies, materials, and infrastructures.

One example to address this is adopting renewable energy sources and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

E-waste

The rapid obsolescence and short life cycle of some technological devices generate tons of e-waste. Many contain toxic materials and are not disposed of correctly. To address this, the life cycle of electronic devices must be extended by using more sustainable materials and promoting reuse.

Thus, companies need to raise awareness of responsible disposal and the adoption of sustainable practices in the industry.

Ethical data protection

The digital age also has a significant impact on the privacy and security of individuals. Therefore, an ethical and responsible approach to digital technology should be promoted, including the adoption of ethical standards and practices in the development and use of technology, as well as privacy in the handling of data.

Fair and accessible economy

The digital divide still limits access to technology and information for many people around the world. To address this, we need to promote digital inclusion and ensure equal access to technology and information, including investing in infrastructure, improving internet access and digital skills, and creating accessible content in different languages and formats.

Digitalization and Sustainability: Steps to follow

To achieve fair, sustainable digitalization and overcome the challenges mentioned above, companies need to take steps to enable sustainable digital modernization.

Some of the steps to achieve this are:

• Environmental impact assessment: before adopting or implementing new technologies, it is important to assess the ecological impact and consider whether there are more sustainable options.
• Sustainable infrastructures: Sustainable infrastructures should be built and maintained sustainably.
• Social and ethical responsibility: technology providers and users should take social and moral responsibility for their digital footprint and promote ethical practices and respect for human rights.
• Active participation: all stakeholders should be involved in technology-related decision-making and ensure a sustainable and environmentally sound approach.
• Education and awareness: it is very important to promote education and understanding of the importance of achieving sustainable digitization.
• Policy and regulation: a robust framework must be put in place to achieve this sustainable balance, including the protection of human rights and privacy.

How to find the balance between digitalization and sustainability?

Sustainability and digitalization must go hand in hand, as they are fundamental pillars for our planet, society, and economy. Thanks to digital technologies, global CO2 emissions could be reduced by 20% over the next few years, but they also present sustainability challenges.

Sustainable digitalization is a powerful tool to combat climate change, without sacrificing business efficiency. By applying such solutions, we can achieve important goals such as:

• Protect our natural resources.
• Optimise operations, logistics routes, and industrial and production processes.
• Reduce polluting and greenhouse emissions.
• Generate inclusive opportunities for progress for all.

Therefore, it is critical to continue to drive technological innovation and foster collaboration across all sectors to successfully transition to a sustainable and resilient future.

At Plain Concepts we know that sustainability is a fundamental pillar for society and for building strong businesses. We strive to do things differently and constantly improve, both for our customers and employees, as well as for the surrounding community.

Our goal is to create value through corporate responsibility, so we innovate to increase the impact of our actions and explore new ways to use our technology to overcome new global challenges.

We will help you improve the productivity of your business while empowering you to achieve more efficient and sustainable processes. Join us in a more sustainable and efficient model!