Hemanta Banerjee, Vice President of Public Cloud Data Services at Rackspace Technology
The person in charge of technology (CIO) is no longer just fixing computers! Today, they’re like a superstar with big ideas. They use data and fancy tech tools to help businesses run better and keep up with the times. This means CIOs can play a major role in important company decisions, from going digital to being more eco-friendly.
For CIOs, optimising technology for increased performance isn’t just about saving energy anymore. It’s about thinking long-term and considering all the benefits: good for the environment, good for people, and good for business. This means using eco-friendly systems that don’t waste resources and encouraging a diverse range of people to work in tech jobs. A recent study by IDC found that nearly half (48%) of companies in Asia Pacific and Japan are investing more in being sustainable and environmentally friendly (ESG). Over six in 10 (63%) companies in the region are spending more on sustainability than they did in 2022.
Increasingly, business leaders are realising that helping the environment is good for business. This means companies are spending more money on being sustainable and socially responsible. A whopping 68% of global businesses are planning to spend more on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help them be more eco-friendly and ethical.
The role of a CIO has transformed from just ensuring the smooth operation of IT systems to driving long-term business value through impact-driven sustainability. The decision-making of ESG initiatives is primarily the responsibility of senior executives, however, IDC’s survey respondents state that other roles like department managers, CIOs, board members and employees can also be responsible for ESG.
The new way of thinking about technology is all about making it:
● Eco-friendly: This means using technology in a way that reduces its environmental impact, like using less energy.
● Inclusive: This means making sure everyone can access and use technology, regardless of their background or abilities.
● Cost-effective: This means getting the most value out of technology investments.
The AI-Sustainability Framework
AI’s power is undeniable, but its ethical implications can’t be ignored. CIOs are no longer just tech leaders, they’re also ethics champions. To unlock innovation’s potential, they must build “sustainability guardrails” for AI. This means tackling bias, safeguarding privacy, and ensuring compliance. By proactively addressing these challenges, CIOs can pave the way for long-term success and a more resilient future for their organisations.
AI’s power can be immense, but so are its potential pitfalls. “Guardrails” such as the Second National AI Strategy (NAIS 2.0) recognise these pitfalls and are put in place to reduce the negative impact of AI. NAIS 2.0 reflects Singapore’s commitment to harnessing AI for good, empowering citizens and businesses while aligning with global calls for responsible AI governance. This framework tackles the complexities of AI governance to ensure its ethical and responsible use, ultimately protecting everyone involved – consumers, individuals, and society.
Powering Up Sustainability: Building Greener IT
Green IT is no longer a “nice to have”, it is a strategic imperative. Smart businesses are leading the green wave, adopting eco-friendly technologies that boost efficiency and shrink their environmental footprint – without sacrificing productivity.
A compelling cloud-first strategy powered by renewable energy is a game-changer. It unlocks a clear picture of an organisation’s environmental footprint, quantifies the work processes’ impact across their lifecycle, and establishes waste-minimising design principles.
Organisations can look to industry leaders like Amazon Web Services (AWS), which are setting the standards with their net-zero 2040 commitment. AWS’ path to cloud sustainability hinges on six crucial principles:
● Know Your Footprint: Measure your impact.
● Set Ambitious Goals: Aim for real change.
● Optimise Efficiency: Get the most out of what you use.
● Embrace Innovation: Stay ahead with the latest green tech.
● Leverage Managed Services: Focus on your core business, not infrastructure.
● Minimise Downstream Impact: Consider the entire lifecycle of your cloud usage.
These principles are a springboard for enterprise sustainability but remember – one size doesn’t fit all. Tailoring your strategy to your specific challenges and conditions is key. And that, once again, requires a robust data foundation.
Championing The Cause
The future isn’t green – it’s sustainable IT. Businesses that fail to adapt risk not just environmental peril but a competitive disadvantage.
CIOs hold the key. Collaboration through platforms like SustainableIT.org empowers them to become sustainability champions. They can shape best practices, set standards, and educate leaders. This isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a superpower. By harnessing it, CIOs can drive positive change for businesses, the economy, and the planet.