Jan 27, 2025
by Humera

You can anticipate hearing both positive and negative narratives regarding the consequences of climate change and extreme weather, as well as technological advancements. It appears that they have had a strained relationship on numerous occasions. Is it accurate to assert that our technologically enabled lifestyle encourages sustainability? Although technological advancements can facilitate the adoption of environmentally friendly lifestyles, they also deplete natural resources. Even though this topic is obviously complex, modern corporations are beginning to recognize its importance. To ascertain the feasibility of this concept, it is necessary to examine sustainable IT.

Explain “Sustainable technology”

"A set of solutions that improves the efficiency and power consumption of IT services; makes it possible for businesses to be more sustainable by utilizing tools like analytics, traceability, and software for managing emissions; and assists customers in reaching their personal sustainability goals."

Sustainable technology is now the third most important strategic technology trend for the coming year. Businesses that put money into environmentally friendly technology may find new growth opportunities, boost their financial performance, and make their operations more resilient. Half of all chief information officers will reportedly have their performance reviews and objectives linked to the long-term viability of their environment. Although technology has improved our lives, it uses up energy in an unsustainable way. The proliferation of cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing will only serve to increase that figure. Therefore, we must embrace technology to become more environmentally conscious.

Aiming for sustainable approaches

These explanations are still not clear. Companies should focus on improving certain areas. That may imply:

  • Bringing together computing resources.
  • Making the transition to sustainable suppliers.
  • Switching to more sustainable practices and reducing consumption of non-renewable materials.
  • Environmental challenges are being tackled through the utilization of technology.
  • Strive for technological carbon neutrality.

All of these strategies aim to reduce environmental impact. All of our electronic equipment, including computers, TVs, and mobile phones, need electricity to function. Imagine it playing out across the world's data centers and server rooms, where both small and multinational businesses rely on technology. By 2050, if present regulations remain unchanged, the United States' CO? emissions would reach 4.7 billion metric tons, according to some projections. Still, cutting back on power use isn't enough. More than two-thirds of a device's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during its lifetime come from the production process. We must reduce our output.

Thus, the response to the question of sustainable technology could involve generalized shifts or something more targeted, with clearer objectives and metrics. This endeavor may not be mandatory for all companies. As a consequence of signing the Paris Agreement, some companies may be required to follow industry standards or efficiency requirements set by the government. We will need to shift our definition of work to include a significant amount of ongoing work, beyond just consulting.

Sustainable IT trends in 2025

  1. Cybersecurity.
  2. Generative AI.
  3. Circular economy.
  4. Climate resilience planning.
  5. Green energy technologies.
  6. Quantum computing.
  7. Renewable energy.
  8. Smart home energy use.
  9. Sustainable agriculture.
  10. Sustainable finance.
  11. Supply chain resilience.

1. Cybersecurity

Businesses are investing heavily in sustainability and cybersecurity programs. Despite the perception of the former as an ESG commitment and the latter as a technical investment, there exists an opportunity at the intersection of the two. Companies feel the effects of cybersecurity and sustainability to varying degrees. Also, executives need to make sure that everyone in the company is on board with either project for it to be a success. Seeing sustainability from the perspective of cybersecurity and vice versa can fortify enterprises. Executives in charge of cybersecurity and sustainability at large companies might find areas of overlap and rally support to invest in those. In order to promote ethical business practices, sustainability and cybersecurity complement one another.

2. Generative AI

Generative AI technology is leading this transformation by offering innovative solutions to the sustainability question. Beyond its conventional uses, it pushes the frontiers of innovation to provide long-term, effective solutions for the environment powered by artificial intelligence. In the field of environmental sustainability, generative AI is revolutionizing what is achievable by optimizing renewable energy networks and constructing models to predict and mitigate the consequences of climate change. The goal of artificial intelligence's (AI) sustainability is to employ AI to address pressing environmental problems, such as renewable energy and climate change. Environmental solutions powered by AI include a wide range of uses, from improving the efficiency of green technology to analyzing massive datasets for patterns and predicting climate trends. By providing more intelligent and efficient means of environmental protection, AI makes a substantial contribution to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via these endeavors.

3. Circular economy

An economic model known as the "circular economy" seeks to produce goods and services in an eco-friendly way by reducing the usage of resources (such as water, energy, and raw materials) and the amount of waste they generate. Rather than following the traditional take-make-consume-throw-away cycle of the linear economy, it suggests repurposing trash as a resource for new product development or other applications. One worldwide plan incorporates the concepts of eco-design, industrial ecology, the economy of functioning, and the green economy.

Protecting the environment is the primary goal of a circular economy, which aims to do this by eliminating planned obsolescence, lowering waste, and increasing recycling rates. Less reliance on resource imports (energy, water, and raw materials) is another benefit of the circular economy. The circular economy has several advantages, one of which is the fact that it promotes economic growth and innovation, which, in the long term, may make national enterprises more competitive. The circular economy produces jobs and helps people save money, which reduces pollution and climate change's social implications while also eliminating unemployment and poverty.

4. Climate resilience planning

Already, heatwaves, floods, and storms are wreaking havoc on companies as a result of climate change. Companies are quite aware of the physical hazards, according to the Marsh Corporate Climate Adaptation Survey, but there are significant gaps when it comes to quantifying the implications, both now and in the future. Risk managers can leverage the three A's—ambition, assessment, and action—to advance corporate climate adaptation. Climate adaptation includes protecting staff and assets from new dangers and improving climate change preparedness and response. To be effective, a corporate adaptation plan needs to consider risk from every angle. It must consider various aspects at the asset level, such as the company's primary operations, employees, physical assets, and emergency response strategies. However, it must continue. Businesses need to stop thinking about costs and start thinking about investments; they also need to fix supply-chain blind spots, figure out how to keep workers safe, and collaborate with nature to lower risk. Adapting to climate change entails managing risks in a proactive manner. Although risk managers have a lot of resources at their disposal to make companies more resilient, a comprehensive strategy is required to make a significant improvement in how companies handle physical climate hazards. Company heads will be able to construct an adaptation plan that is strong, stable, and ethical in this manner.

5. Green Energy Technologies

The need to act swiftly to combat climate change and switch to renewable energy sources has grown in recent years. Simultaneously, recent developments in AI have paved the way for fresh opportunities to optimize and improve the efficiency, dependability, and affordability of renewable energy systems. The new book Green Energy Technologies and AI for Sustainable Development delves deeply into the ways in which renewable energy and AI may work together to promote innovation and sustainability. The editors have noted the enormous potential of this synergy and have set out to thoroughly investigate it. Green technology has come a long way, and many business giants have shown the world how renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smart waste management can change the world. Overcoming adoption barriers through collaborative efforts, financial incentives, and regulatory measures has greatly aided the mainstreaming of these technologies. Green tech's increasing influence, which promises a future more sustainable and environmentally friendly, highlights the importance of continuous investment and public awareness in propelling it forward.

6. Quantum computing

A quantum's strength is its ability to achieve all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, which quantum solutions should take precedence? Some of the use cases identified by the Forum have a multiplier effect and the potential to simultaneously boost several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These use cases include monitoring water quality, observing Earth to support disaster preparedness, designing solar cells, and conducting climate modeling and weather forecasting. These use cases also have a higher chance of triggering real and measurable impact. Unsurprisingly, these use cases align with the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, a UNESCO framework that illustrates the complex and dynamic interdependence among specific objectives.

7. Renewable energy

Electricity and heating power the world. We rely on it for a wide range of applications, including transportation, home heating and power, infrastructure construction, and industrial processes. The majority of our energy comes from fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil, which release carbon dioxide gas from underground reservoirs that have been there for millions of years. We must immediately begin using energy from renewable and sustainable sources if we are serious about halting the progression of climate change. Fortunately, there are a lot of bright minds trying to increase renewable energy output while also stabilizing our grids to deal with the unpredictable nature of renewables. The worldwide effort to lessen human influence on the environment and promote long-term sustainability has brought about a significant change in the renewable energy industry.

8. Smart home energy use

Smart home technology (SHTs) has profoundly altered the use and management of energy in residential settings. Smart meters, home energy management systems (HEMS), and Internet of Things (IoT) applications are just a few examples of the many devices and systems that fall under this category of technology, all with the goal of optimizing energy use and improving sustainability. Energy efficiency and greener living are two areas where smart home technology shows promise. Despite the challenges they provide, like accessibility concerns and the rebound effect, the potential benefits in terms of energy savings, reduction of carbon emissions, and consumer convenience are substantial. In order to make sure that smart homes really help with sustainability, we need to work on making technology more accessible, making devices work better together, and encouraging adoption through legislative measures.

9. Sustainable agriculture

Precision farming is leading the way, and technological advancements are drastically changing agricultural practices in 2024. Nowadays, farmers have access to precision agriculture tools like drones, high-tech sensors, and algorithms powered by artificial intelligence. They are able to precisely monitor water usage, examine soil conditions, and maintain a careful check on the health of their crops thanks to these innovations. This data-driven precision farming encourages resource efficiency, which in turn reduces waste and ecological impact. Precision agriculture has transformed farming into more efficient, environmentally friendly, and profitable methods.

The practice of regenerative agriculture has recently come to the forefront of the agricultural industry. Instead of depleting soil and ecosystems, regenerative farming simply replenishes and revitalizes them. Crop rotation, no-till farming, and organic fertilizers are the cornerstones of regenerative agriculture. Not only does this prioritize soil health, improving agricultural output and quality, but it also captures carbon, which helps a lot in fighting climate change.

10. Sustainable finance

The term "sustainable finance" refers to an investment strategy that prioritizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Businesses have traditionally prioritized making a profit and satisfying their shareholders. Nevertheless, the emphasis is now elsewhere. When making plans for the distribution of funds, considerations of environmental, social, and governance factors are now essential. The urgency and focus on addressing climate change's dangers have increased recently. Various stakeholders have gained a better understanding of how to incorporate ESG concerns into financial decision-making. In order to promote sustainable development, the majority of industrialized nations have implemented state-funded initiatives and utilized innovative tactics. Nevertheless, the increasing demand for sustainable development is making it more difficult for underdeveloped nations to adapt. Therefore, these nations have implemented debt-for-climate, concessional loans, and other similar financial tools to promote sustainable practices. The result is that in order to promote sustainable development, most corporations have made ESG (environmental, social, and governance) projects a top priority.

11. Supply chain resilience

Organizations are realizing that transportation and logistics infrastructure congestion, container shortages, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, wars, increased cyber threats, and regular extreme weather events are causing supply chain disruptions. Consequently, businesses must change by anticipating and proactively mitigating interruptions and risks to their supply chains, rather than just responding to them when they arise. Another important factor in building resilience is encouraging supply chain partners to work together, share information, and engage in joint training and exercises whenever feasible. Another important thing is to foster an environment of openness and trust. Experts in resilience must be alert and quick on their feet, always looking for ways to improve their risk, business continuity, procurement, supply chain, and cybersecurity management strategies. Furthermore, in order to safeguard operations and discover new development and innovation opportunities in a globally interdependent ecosystem, they also need to plan for changes in their operational environment.

In summary,

Along with the growing concern for environmental impact, there has been a flurry of new initiatives aimed at making the world a better place in the areas of energy, transportation, building, financing, packaging, and carbon capture. A sustainable lifestyle is crucial to 78% of American consumers, indicating an increasing awareness and demand for sustainability among consumers. Plus, by 2050, experts predict that the "green economy" will be worth over $10 trillion. In sum, this is a huge trend that people can't help but notice.