Sustainability has become a crucial focus for most high-tech firms and numerous other entities, a trend that’s not just coincidental. The advent of advanced technologies like 5G, blockchain, and AI is enabling innovative applications for IoT’s smart, interconnected devices. However, as Accenture notes, this technological evolution is also driving a significant increase in energy consumption, water use, and CO2 emissions as these devices grow more robust.
Strategies for Integrating Sustainability with IoT
Organizations need to strategize on leveraging IoT technologies to enhance the sustainability of their products and promote greener manufacturing processes.
Accenture suggests the following three key approaches for high-tech companies to support their ESG objectives:
1. Efficient Cloud Resource Management
The concept of ‘Green Cloud’ has emerged in response to the rapid expansion of cloud computing. This approach concentrates on efficient utilization of cloud-based energy and resources. Companies should evaluate their current data center energy use and computing needs against their sustainability targets before transitioning to cloud services. Tools and cloud design solutions are available to help in this process, aiming to lower carbon emissions throughout the transition. These tools use algorithms to assess the environmental efficiency of various cloud options, considering factors like the cloud provider’s emission reduction targets, location, energy sources, and readiness for sustainable transitions.
2. Adoption of Energy-Efficient Smart Buildings
Smart buildings offer potential for reduced energy use, cost savings, and revenue generation. High-tech companies can both develop and market smart building solutions and use these technologies to meet their own sustainability targets. Automated systems in these buildings can manage operations like climate control, lighting, and security, aiding in energy reduction, space optimization, and minimizing environmental impact. Johnson Controls is an example of a company utilizing IoT and edge computing for environmental control. Its recent acquisition of FogHorn Systems, an edge AI software developer for commercial and industrial IoT development, underscores the growing opportunities in creating intelligent, self-sufficient buildings.
3. Enhanced Semiconductor Design and Processing
Semiconductors play a central role in virtually all modern products, especially with the rise of IoT, AI, and machine learning. Semiconductor producers now have the capability to manage and analyze data for predictive maintenance. Custom analytics can foresee process issues, preventing significant yield losses. Digital twins offer a real-time, sensor-driven simulation of actual assets, allowing organizations to experiment with new processes and troubleshoot problems without incurring extra costs or environmental damage.
Companies should embrace a circular economy approach, prioritizing sustainability from the design phase, rather than relying on post-production recycling. By designing for refurbishment and longevity, high-tech manufacturers can not only reduce costs and carbon footprints but also potentially tap into new revenue streams.
Sustainability enhancements are increasingly evident in our personal devices, smart home electronics, vehicles, office buildings, and the wider environment. The time is ripe for action, using sustainable solutions as a competitive edge.
