admin With the unencumbered rise of green technologies, the world of business has witnessed a formidable reckoning. The current era is a testament to the fact that the only way forward for the world is one that is green and sustainable. Without incorporating sustainability into our business models and operative protocols, one risks the very future he or she is striving to secure. Digital sustainability must thus be embraced by entrepreneurs and market leaders will open arms. The benefits of these technologies do not just correspond to building environmental consciousness and green work cultures, but they also accrue certain niche and lucrative opportunity segments that can be explored and developed by ingenious leaders.
What is Digital Sustainability?
Digital sustainability is an environmentally conscious approach that advocates for the adoption of a set of ecologically safe and stable principles when embracing digitization. This long-term strategy of ensuring relentless economic growth without hampering the already scarce environmental resources at our disposal is realized through the implementation of a wide range of digital resources.
These digital sustainability initiatives are necessary to safeguard the future of humanity. At the current pace of resource depletion, we as a race could be obliterated if our practices remain unchecked. With the rapidly accelerating rates of carbon emissions, fossil fuel depletion, loss of biodiversity, climate change, etc. we need to start thinking about ways of attaining progress without compromising the only home planet known to us. In the current context, it is imperative to realize the need to embody the principles of business and environmentalism to survive, thrive, and create a better future.
Companies that have Embraced Digital Sustainability
Walmart: As one of the leading retail conglomerates in the global market, Walmart has assumed equal responsibility in helming and redefining the future of planet earth and the human race. The chain has implemented multiple digital tools that work towards eliminating waste and minimize energy usage. Walmart uses several built-in IoT sensors and shelf scanning robots to attain sustainability in terms of reducing energy usage. In 2018, the company also patented Robobee- a self-manned drone that is used to pollinate crops. This tool will help monitor agricultural crops, while simultaneously understanding and minimizing food wastage all over the Walmart food supply chain.
Microsoft: Another industry giant that has successfully embraced the digital sustainability paradigm is Microsoft. Material waste reduction and energy efficiency have been achieved by the company through its cloud computing resources. Similarly, the use of server-less and open-source software has minimized cooling processes, ventilation, and the need for air conditioning. Microsoft is also ensuring that its end-users join this sustainable digitization approach by adding a power management function to its products that enables smart consumption by the end-user.
Autodesk: As a company that is well known for creating building plans, animated movies, and more, Autodesk has achieved a formidable reputation in the market. It has successfully attained an important sustainability milestone. Autodesk’s goal of powering its facilities and cloud services with 100% renewable energy by 2021 has been successfully accomplished by the company. Moreover, Autodesk has also collaborated with the Volkswagen Group to design an electric-infused technical showcase vehicle. This project is a testament to the modern era of sustainable product development.
Dell: Over the course of the by-gone years, Dell has achieved almost 75% of its sustainability goals ahead of its planned yearly schedules. The company has reused 100 million pounds of recycled plastic and other materials in its products. Dell has also reduced its waste water discharge in manufacturing by 4.56 million cubic meters. The company promises to deliver upon its avowed goals of inclusive progress, sustainability, and technology-use to better the future of the planet through its project titled ‘Progress Made Real’.
Patagonia: Patagonia is a sustainable clothing company that uses organic materials and sells re-crafted outfits. With sufficiently huge returns adding up to $800 million, the company has also added sustainability to its own operation model by adopting solar panels to provide renewable energy to the entire operation, smart grid-controlled LED lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning, etc. The AI-empowered central workstation of the company controls both the indoor and outdoor operational systems automatically. Moreover, workers are also encouraged to use electric cars and are financially compensated for using bikes to come to work. The entire company premises is designed to exude this core principle of sustainability.
The current era of our existence has witnessed the burgeoning need to integrate digital technologies and sustainability. The main challenge that entrepreneurs face today is to ideate and establish a harmonious balance between the two. The time is ripe to embrace this sustainable revolution and adopt these conscientious technologies into your own business so that we can all work towards securing a better and brighter future for all.
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