With daily reminders, especially in the summer months, around the effects of global warming on the planet, sustainability is at the forefront of many initiatives. Mass use of new technologies such as the cloud can also be very energy intensive (predicted to account for 8% of global electricity consumption by 20302), so it is key that CIOs partner with providers who are committed to carbon neutrality and use renewable energy sources, at least for a portion of their environment.
As an IT solutions provider with a sustainability focus, one of Balata Data’s goals is to educate customers on the benefits of our solutions from a sustainability perspective. In the IDG’s 2020 report, 95% of CIOs1 stated their role was now expanding beyond traditional IT management, with strategic tasks increasing from 4% to 25%.
Here are a few thoughts on how you can make a difference:
- Reliability and service quality: Sustainable practices include maintaining consistent performance and minimizing downtime. Choosing a reputable third-party maintenance vendor ensures that critical systems remain reliable and available, which is crucial for businesses aiming to sustain smooth operations over time.
- E-waste reduction: The European Union and the United States alone contribute 50 million metric tons of e-waste annually. By extending the life of IT assets through TPM, businesses can help reduce electronic waste generation. Any effort to extend the useful life of electronics contributes to a more sustainable approach.
- Flexibility and customizability: Third-party maintenance providers often offer more flexible service level agreements (SLAs) and customized support options. This can help enterprises tailor their maintenance services to their specific needs, aligning with their sustainability goals by minimizing unnecessary services and reducing the environmental impact. Additionally, Balata Data’s proactive monitoring program offers planned, consolidated service engagements cutting down on data center visits.
- Ethical considerations: Some enterprises opt for third-party maintenance to align with their ethical and sustainability principles. Working with a vendor that offers environmentally friendly practices or supports charitable initiatives can contribute to a company’s overall sustainability strategy and reputation. Embracing sustainability in data centers demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility, which can enhance a company’s reputation and attract environmentally conscious clients.
In conclusion, sustainability is of paramount importance in the IT industry, especially from a data center perspective. By embracing sustainable practices, data centers can minimize their environmental impact, improve energy efficiency, comply with regulations, and enhance their reputation. By prioritizing this effort, the IT industry can contribute positively to the global effort of creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
- ‘2020 State of the CIO Report.’ International Data Group (IDG). 2020.
- Andrae, Anders S. G. & Edler, Tomas. 2015. ‘On Global Electricity Usage of Communication Technology Trends to 2030.’ MDPI. February 27, 2015. (Challenges | Free Full-Text | On Global Electricity Usage of Communication Technology: Trends to 2030 | HTML (mdpi.com))