Every April, we celebrate Earth Day, which brings sustainability top of mind. Sustainability has recently gained significant traction, fueled by growing threats of climate change, increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly choices and new opportunities for cost savings.
In fact, 85 percent of organizations have increased sustainability investments in the past year, up from 75 percent in 2023, according to Deloitte’s 2024 CxO Sustainability Report. Half of C-suite business leaders have already begun implementing technology solutions to help achieve climate or environmental goals, with another 42 percent expecting to undertake this work in the next two years, according to the same report.
However, the reasons companies are investing in sustainable solutions may be shifting, according to Forrester’s blog “Predictions 2025: Environmental Sustainability Drivers Shift from Regulation to Efficiency and Savings.” Forrester says that regulatory compliance has historically been a primary motivator for sustainability initiatives, but more businesses are going green for the cost savings achieved through improved efficiency and reduced resource consumption. Companies like yours have discovered that by deploying sustainable technologies, they can do their part to protect the planet and save some money along the way.
What Is Sustainable Technology?
Sustainable technology refers to innovations and solutions that help your business to minimize environmental impact, conserve resources and promote green business practices. This so-called “green” technology conserves natural resources like water, energy and raw materials, while minimizing waste.
Sustainability initiatives also emphasize recyclability and reusability to reduce waste, so sustainable technology is built for longevity, requiring little maintenance or upgrades that would produce more emissions. Some sustainable technologies also leverage renewable energies like solar, wind and geothermal power.
Why Are Businesses Investing in Sustainability?
Deploying more sustainable technologies can benefit your organization, its communities and the world at large. Here are six primary reasons to consider going green:
- Industry Regulation—A primary motivation for your business to pursue sustainability is industry regulation that mandates or incentivizes your company to adopt green business practices. Penalties for noncompliance also are motivating as failure to comply can result in audits, fines and a damaged reputation.
- Energy Efficiency—Using energy-efficient devices and features at your offices can consume less energy and reduce energy costs. Other energy-saving opportunities for your organization include:
- Energy-efficient appliances, including copiers, refrigerators and microwaves
- Intelligent climate control systems that deliver heating and cooling when and where needed
- Smart lights that conserve energy inside and outside while also improving security and visibility
- Energy-efficient windows, insulation and other building materials that complement tech-centered sustainability efforts
- Hybrid workforce optimization, such as leveraging your remote workforce to create a “dark” office day each week to reduce energy consumption
- Waste Reduction—Waste reduction initiatives can take many forms at your business. Consider paperless, or nearly paperless, initiatives to reduce unnecessary material consumption and waste. Replace disposable plastic bottles with refillable water bottles to reduce waste and curb plastic pollution. If you’re more ambitious, implement a composting program to encourage recycling and reusability—an effort that also can bring your employees together as a community dedicated to sustainability.
- Customer Attraction—Consumers are more vested than ever in sustainability, preferring green business partners over polluters. It’s highly likely that your customers want to work with vendors that are eco-friendly, ethical and socially responsible. Conversely, if you ignore calls for more corporate responsibility and investment in sustainability, your business reputation may suffer.
- Employee Engagement—Sustainability programs, including those centered on technology initiatives, can help your business to deliver the responsibility punch many employees find vital to job satisfaction, translating to enhanced recruitment, engagement and retention.
- Cost Savings—Sustainability efforts, when done right, can deliver self-evident ROI. Reducing power consumption, for example, can lower your electricity bills. Similarly, reducing paper use can lower office supply and waste management costs. Embracing future-proof technology can minimize your maintenance and upgrade costs. As a bonus, employee engagement in your sustainability initiatives may increase productivity, promote retention and avoid employee turnover costs.
It’s Time for Your Business To Go Green
There’s no better time than now to start realizing the benefits of green technology. As you start or continue your digital transformation, you have the perfect opportunity to invest in sustainable technologies that can boost your reputation, save money and attract new business. Now’s the time to review your environmental impact and make plans to minimize it, reducing energy consumption, building customer trust and helping protect the planet.
