Digitalisation is clearly one of today’s hottest topics, relating prominently to the world’s environmental, social and economic aspects. On the one hand, there is the very positive concept, referred to as ‘digitalisation for sustainability.’ This pertains to the proactive development and use of digital tools for achieving environmental targets and fostering positive outcomes for all global inhabitants – think of the broad range of factors such as smart city strategies, digital agriculture, connected mobility or health care technologies. In our current dotmagazine issue, for instance, Dr. Bettina Horster from eco and VIVAI AG provides great insights into the promising future of AI solutions in enhancing the quality of life for older individuals.
On the other hand, tech companies – in particular digital infrastructures and data centres – have long been battling against consuming significant energy: from this angle, one of the core priorities is naturally working towards ‘sustainable digitalisation.’ Luckily, there has been a growing recognition as to just how effectively tech companies can collaborate in prioritising ethical considerations and focusing on environmental sustainability.
An overarching approach in this context is a circular economy which embeds sustainability across all of tech business processes and value chains. In this regard, Thomas Amberg from Ynvolve in the Netherlands highlights the value of embracing the circular economy in the dynamic landscape of information technology. This involves cultivating industry partnerships, advocating design for longevity, and implementing reuse and recycling programs. Overall, such factors serve as a highly tangible strategy for all tech companies in shifting towards a circular economy performance. From this perspective, Kamran Doorsoun from Janado also emphasises just how important it is to work towards the conservation of technological resources, and highlights how his company refurbishes electronics as a potent solution to the escalating e-waste crisis. By unlocking the untapped potential of forgotten gadgets, he notes how manufacturers can mitigate environmental impacts throughout a product’s lifecycle.
Ecosystems are also increasingly invoked for the circular economy and environmental sustainability. For example, when it comes to data infrastructure – which focuses on the storage, management, and accessibility of data – ecosystems can make this become far more resilient. In an interview with Andreas Weiss, Managing Director of the eco Association, we get to hear just how important collaborative data ecosystems are: these federate AI applications, enhance digital services, and address crises through decentralised and distributed infrastructures. Weiss notes that such ecosystems “create the environmental conditions we need to tackle in a collaborative and sustainable way.”
Furthermore, when it comes to data centres – which are ultimately the beating heart of the world’s economic system – it is clear that embracing such collaborative approaches can make all the difference towards energy efficiency. One case in point is DATA CASTLE in Germany, with Jörgen Venot explaining how his company – as a cutting-edge data centre platform – is building an ecosystem of partnerships with large IT organisations and telco operators, ensuring robust connectivity and services via factors such as waste heat utilisation. A further illustration stems from Finland, with Kim Gunnelius from the Verne Global data centre provider showcasing how Finland’s ‘Mediamaisteri’ digital learning specialist has partnered with Verne Global to find a comprehensive solution. Based on this industry partnership, unique features – such as 100% green energy, wind and solar power integration, and natural cooling – now underscore the synergy between innovation and environmental responsibility.
All in all, this dotmagazine issue reveals how digitalisation & sustainability are two sides of the same coin, with each and every one of these articles inspiring action towards a more environmentally conscious future.
The eco initiative “#JOINTHESOLUTION: We are part of the solution – the Internet industry” illustrates further positive impact potentials of digitalization on carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and sustainability goals.
