Flexible and adaptable IT infrastructures are becoming more and more necessary as cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things, amongst other technological advances, are growing in popularity
The IT sector has grown to become a significant driver of global economic expansion, but it is not without its share of environmental issues, including carbon emissions, excessive energy consumption, and electronic waste. With the unprecedented rise in sales of smart devices, there has been a notable increase in e-waste in particular.
Statista estimates that sales of smartphones alone have reached 1.535 billion units annually worldwide. This implies that 1.535 billion phones will eventually need to be disposed of, and some of them will not be done so correctly, making them e-waste.
India produced around 1.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste in the fiscal year 2022. These statistical figures provided by Statista highlight the need for IT firms to adopt responsible e-waste disposal. This includes recycling or repurposing outdated electronics. Taking this approach will not only promote a circular economy in technology but also mitigate the adverse environmental consequences associated with energy consumption.
To further promote responsible disposal of electronic waste, the Indian government has initiated several IT-related initiatives, including the National Mission on Advanced Energy Efficiency and the Green Passport for IT Equipment, amongst others. It has become imperative for businesses, aside from government measures, to adopt environment-conscious choices in an effort to lessen their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
Responsible ways to manage e-waste
- Turning to the cloud: Limiting the purchase of electronic gadgets has become essential for IT companies. This entails moving the system to the cloud in its entirety. Therefore, one may access all the data online, negating the need for additional servers, hardware, or storage.
Furthermore, switching to the cloud allows IT organisations to decrease their dependency on physical infrastructure, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. In fact, there are instances when a computer goes beyond repair and demands replacement.
In these situations, it is important to prioritise smaller desktop computers over bigger ones where cloud data can be easily accessed. This will reduce e-waste in addition to saving storage space. On the whole, moving to cloud services is a smart choice for IT organisations, as it enables them to maximise resource utilisation and support a more resilient IT environment.
- Sustainable practices: Adopting sustainable practices in the IT industry can significantly benefit the environment. One effective approach is integrating advanced technologies such as generative AI to streamline data management, which can lead to a more competent use of resources and a reduction in energy consumption.
Another important step involves a comprehensive understanding of a company's data estate, which is crucial for implementing energy-efficient data infrastructure. This could include strategies like reducing data centre footprints, transitioning energy-consuming applications to the cloud, and using hybrid cloud services to optimise power usage. By integrating similar effective measures, businesses can achieve more efficient resource use and a notable reduction in energy consumption.
- Moving to modern data centre platforms: Flexible and adaptable IT infrastructures are becoming more and more necessary as cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things, amongst other technological advances, are growing in popularity. However, it has also raised e-waste concerns.
This has made traditional data centre platforms irrelevant, paving the way for modern data centre platforms. These platforms aim to enhance power efficiency and minimise environmental impact. By integrating modern innovations such as virtualization and energy-efficient cooling systems, one can help build a more sustainable structure for data centres.
- Responsible asset disposition: The majority of IT companies discard their electronic devices at the first sign of a malfunction, resulting in both financial waste and unnecessary environmental impact. Rather, it is essential to thoroughly examine the gadget and determine the extent of any necessary repairs.
IT businesses can practice responsible asset disposition by repurposing and upgrading outdated equipment as needed and making sure that e-waste is properly recycled through approved channels. Revamping and upgrading these devices to increase their lifespan lowers the need for new ones, which in turn reduces the amount of e-waste produced overall.
- Promoting remote work: We are living in a digitalized era where remote working has become the new normal. Promoting remote work acts as a potent strategy for IT firms to reduce e-waste. It decreases the need for physical office infrastructure and commuting times, which together results in significant carbon savings. Embracing digital collaboration tools and encouraging a remote working culture can further elevate the environmental sustainability of IT operations.
- Adopting smart city infrastructure: Adopting smart city infrastructure has become need of the hour for technology companies since it allows them to efficiently track and regulate resource utilisation. This entails putting in place sensor-based water management systems, smart electrical grids for optimal electricity distribution and fuel-saving automated transportation systems. By incorporating these technologies, IT businesses can assist in resource optimisation, environmental impact reduction and the promotion of sustainable e-waste management.
Prioritising a green future ahead
Based on recent information, India has emerged as one of the largest producers of e-waste, following China and the United States. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India reported a constant increase in e-waste generation, with figures reaching 1.71 million metric tonnes. This significant amount highlights the urgent need for effective e-waste management within the country.
Further data from the CPCB revealed the yearly escalation of e-waste generation in India. Starting from 708,445 metric tonnes in the financial year 2017-18, the amount of e-waste generated has steadily increased each year, reaching 1,601,155.36 tonnes by 2021-22. This statistical figure highlights the growing challenge, rendering it necessary for IT companies to take the charge and embrace responsible waste management.
The e-waste challenge can be effectively addressed with responsible efforts from citizens, government, and technology firms on both the demand and supply sides of the electronics industry. In particular, the IT sector plays an indispensable role in this scenario. By restricting the acquisition of electronic devices and prioritising repair and reuse, they can successfully establish the groundwork for a sustainable future.
Furthermore, transitioning to cloud computing can notably reduce the demand for physical hardware, helping to combat the e-waste challenge. By utilising cloud services, IT companies can not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable model of consumption and resource use, paving the way for a greener future.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Mohan Subrahmanya
Quelle/Source: Outlook Planet, 16.04.2024
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