According to Gartner, by 2025, 50% of CIOs will have performance indicators linked to the sustainability of their IT departments. What impact will the adoption of sustainable technology have on the future of key sectors in the global economy?
Undoubtedly, technology is a necessary and powerful tool for achieving large-scale sustainability goals. But a sustainable company is much more than just ensuring that resources are managed responsibly.
In an increasingly environmentally and socially aware global context, companies are incorporating innovative technologies to ensure that their processes are more efficient, responsible, and sustainable.
However, transitioning to more sustainable models involves not only implementing new technologies but also redefining how companies manage their operations, how they interact with consumers, and how they position themselves in the global market.
In this blog, we will explore how sustainable technology is influencing different sectors. Additionally, we will look at the impact of its adoption and how companies can leverage it to improve both their profitability and sustainability.
The role of sustainable technology in the economic transition
The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is driving the adoption of sustainable technology across many industries. In multiple sectors, technological innovations are enabling companies not only to comply with environmental regulations but also to find new growth opportunities.
In the energy sector, for example, sustainable technology has enabled a significant shift toward renewable energy sources. According to the International Energy Agency’s 2023 Renewable Energy Global Report, renewables accounted for 29% of global electricity generation capacity in 2022.
In the United States, renewable energy contributed approximately 23% of the country’s electricity. This figure continues to grow thanks to the increasing efficiency of solar, wind, and energy storage technologies.
In the transportation industry, the electrification of vehicles and the use of alternative fuels are gaining momentum. According to the Electrification Coalition, over 2.3 million electric vehicles were sold in the United States in 2023.
This represents a 65% increase compared to 2020. This shift is largely due to advances in battery technology, which have reduced the cost of electric vehicles, making them increasingly accessible to consumers.
The impact of sustainable technology on manufacturing industry
The manufacturing industry is historically one of the largest carbon emitters due to energy and resource-intensive processes. However, the adoption of innovative technologies is enabling companies to use resources more efficiently while also reducing their carbon footprint.
The integration of smart manufacturing systems, such as automation and robotics, is improving factory efficiency, enabling faster production with less waste.
According to a McKinsey report, companies that have implemented sustainable practices and digital technologies in their supply chains have reduced their operating costs by up to 20%, while also improving their environmental performance.
The use of recyclable materials and the incorporation of the circular economy in manufacturing are helping companies create more sustainable products. According to the World Economic Forum, the adoption of circular practices in manufacturing could generate $4.5 trillion in global economic value by 2030.
These practices, combined with advanced recycling and reuse technologies, are transforming the industry into a more efficient and environmentally friendly model.
The tech sector as a driver of sustainability
The tech sector plays a crucial role in adopting sustainable solutions across other industries. IT companies are developing technologies that help other sectors reduce their carbon footprints, from supply chain management to energy efficiency in buildings.
Sustainable technology is allowing IT companies to operate more efficiently. For example, data centers are adopting greener practices by using renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.
According to Statista, in 2023, data centers in the U.S. consumed about 2% of the country’s electricity, and this number is expected to continue growing. However, the shift toward more sustainable data centers, driven by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), could significantly reduce this consumption.
Regarding specialized IT outsourcing, companies are leveraging services from IT providers that implement sustainable solutions. These providers offer infrastructure, applications, and cloud services that optimize resource use and reduce carbon emissions for their clients.
According to a Gartner report, 42% of companies that outsource their IT services are implementing more sustainable solutions. This reflects a growing trend towards adopting responsible business practices.
Sustainable innovations in agriculture for a greener future
Agriculture is another key sector adopting sustainable technology, aiming to improve the efficiency of operations and reduce environmental impact.
In this sector, technologies like precision agriculture and the use of drones and sensors are enabling farmers to monitor and manage crops more efficiently, reducing the use of resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in agriculture allows for predicting crop yields, optimizing input use, and improving farming practices. Investment in sustainable agricultural technology reached $9.2 billion globally, and this figure is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
Additionally, technological solutions that enable traceability in the food supply chain are helping companies reduce food waste and improve sustainability in their operations. Today, traceability technologies can reduce food waste by up to 20%, which has a direct impact on the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
The impact of sustainability on consumer behavior
Consumer behavior is changing. It is no secret that today’s shoppers are increasingly interested in sustainable products and services. This shift in consumer mindset is pushing companies to adopt cleaner and more responsible technologies.
73% of consumers in the U.S. are willing to pay more for sustainable products. This change in demand is driving companies to adopt technologies that reduce environmental impact or improve operational efficiency, allowing for the creation of more sustainable products.
Furthermore, companies that adopt sustainable practices can enhance their brand reputation and build customer loyalty. Companies that lead in sustainability have a 14% higher annual growth rate than those that don’t. This shows that sustainability is not just a trend, but a strategic opportunity to create market value.
How IT Outsourcing facilitates the adoption of sustainable technology
For companies looking to incorporate sustainable technology into their operations, specialized IT outsourcing has become a strategic option.
Specialized IT service providers can help businesses implement technological solutions that optimize resource use, improve operational efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions.
By outsourcing their IT operations, companies can leverage the expertise and customized solutions these providers offer without having to invest in the infrastructure and personnel needed to develop these solutions internally.
This allows businesses to focus on their core competencies, while IT experts manage sustainable solutions. Additionally, IT outsourcing facilitates access to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing.
These technologies enable businesses to make more informed decisions and improve sustainability across their operations. According to Forrester Research, companies that outsource their IT operations can save up to 30% in operational costs, allowing them to reinvest in sustainable initiatives.
Sustainable technology is the future
Sustainable technology is proving to be an essential tool for businesses looking to stay competitive, especially in a global market focused on sustainability. From reducing emissions in the energy sector to improving efficiency in manufacturing and agriculture, the adoption of sustainable technological solutions is transforming entire industries.
Investing in sustainable technology not only responds to an ethical imperative but also opens up new business opportunities.
Organizations that adopt this approach will make a difference in a market that increasingly values social and environmental responsibility.
The question is: Are organizations willing to transform their business models to become part of this shift toward sustainability?
Learn more about how Interfaz is transforming the tech world. We invite you to discover how our innovation and tech solutions can help you take the next step to drive your company’s success.
