SUSTAINABILITY
She also returns empty coffee bags to the same shop to be refilled, rather than throwing them away. Everyone can play their part.” The role of technology While analysing data is one-way technology can help cut down on emissions, it is not directly making a difference. However, as Horowitz pointed out: “When technology is used to empower change and not for its own sake, there is no need to give it up and every need to embrace it. “As an example, a system that tells a manufacturer exactly how much of each raw material is needed at each moment will more than pay for itself in the savings on materials, storage, and paying people to wait around when an ingredient isn’t there yet. “My dairy farmer neighbours use a robotic milking system that feeds the cows while they are milked but doesn’t let a cow return if she has already had her turn that day. It monitors the health
“These sorts of approaches are essential if businesses are to keep running in the modern world without bankrupting the business or hurting the planet.” This data is at the heart of tackling climate change, according to Cameron who said: “technology vendors play a crucial role in providing solutions that can contribute to sustainability. “For instance, they can develop energy- efficient products such as servers, data centres and consumer electronics. By using these eco-friendly devices, businesses can significantly lower their energy consumption and carbon footprint. “Technology vendors can also offer cloud- based services and infrastructure that are optimised for energy efficiency. Additionally, they can provide tools and platforms for remote work and virtual collaboration, reducing the need for travel and cutting down on emissions.” Taking themselves as an example, Bech-Larsen,
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Andrew Meyer CEO Arbor
of the animal, the quantity and quality of production, and more – and it
said that analysing personal behaviours has also led to some new ways to cut down on emissions. ”We also analysed our business practices and personal behaviour to see
eliminates the 14-hour days the farmers used to put in.” Such examples
demonstrate the advantages that technology can have in order to make businesses more efficient. However, Sam Smith, Director of SmithPackaging, argues that
where we can make energy savings and reduce our environmental impact. We identified that the company’s second-largest source of CO2 emissions is business travel, particularly flights and we are working to reduce this through more sustainable practices, including meeting online wherever possible. “Since April 2023 we’ve been reducing and offsetting the monthly CO2e of all Umbraco employees. This has included installing mains- fed water coolers to remove the need for plastic bottles. Recycling bins were provided in the office to encourage all employees to play their part in reducing the amount of trash that goes to landfill. “One of our colleagues, Laura, even volunteered to walk to our local coffee shop to collect coffee beans for the machines, rather than having them delivered by a van.
businesses shouldn’t just rely on technology and instead take ownership of their emissions in much the same way Umbraco has. “It’s true that businesses and resellers shouldn’t rely solely on technology providers to address sustainability concerns. While technology vendors can offer helpful solutions, it’s important for businesses to take ownership and actively engage in sustainable practices. “Businesses need to make conscious decisions and implement measures within their own operations to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s a collective effort, and simply relying on technology providers may lead to a lack of overall accountability and a missed opportunity to make a real difference.”
Shel Horowitz Green Business & Marketing Strategist
greenandprofitable .com
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