As an outsourcing IT company, what can we do to contribute to more sustainable living? As individuals – developers, designers, and product managers – how can we optimize our work to reduce our digital footprint?
The non-profit organization The Shift Project studies the environmental impact of digital technologies, including the internet, computer programs, streaming services, cloud storage, and cashless payment systems. According to experts, from 2013 to 2018 their share in global CO2 emissions increased from 2.5% to 3.7%. The largest digital CO2 emitters are China (27%), India (6.8%) and the US (15%), countries with 854, 560 and 313 million internet users respectively in 2020.
Many companies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are moving towards zero carbon footprints. However, there is growing evidence that these commitments are not enough.
Climate change corporate activists sadly joke that climate programs are always “the task for the next CEO.” Walmart announced its intention to become carbon neutral by 2040 and is already actively working with its suppliers to eliminate its carbon footprint from its supply chains in the coming years. Maersk, the largest sea freight carrier, will start operating carbon-neutral container ships in 2023. Allianz announced its intention to stop insuring power plants that continue to burn coal.
SAP managed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by 43% – this is 135 kilotons instead of the planned 238 (in 2019, for comparison, their volume was 300 kilotons). By 2023, two years earlier than planned, the company will completely get rid of its carbon footprint in its work.
EY became a carbon negative company in 2021.
We, too, aim to contribute to our eco-friendly future. Read our new article to learn more about how to reduce your carbon footprint.