Sustainable Technology, the New Pillar of Responsible Innovation
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In today's business world, sustainability has moved from being an option to a central element of innovation and, more importantly, a key competitive advantage . But what exactly do we mean when we talk about sustainable technology?
In essence, this concept encompasses all solutions designed to minimize environmental impact and operate under principles of ecological responsibility. And it's not a marginal trend: it occupies a central place in today's technological landscape.
The Outlook for 2026: A Green Tipping Point
Next year is expected to mark a turning point in this area. Various initiatives are reshaping both the technology services market and the development of more environmentally friendly solutions. This transformation will have a direct impact on the strategies of companies and governments, which must integrate sustainability criteria into their technological decisions.
According to Everest Group's analysis, we can identify three main lines of action that are defining this transition:
1. Green Computing and Decarbonization: Giving the Digital World a Green Facelift
Reducing carbon emissions has become a priority for organizations of all sizes. To achieve this, they are incorporating highly energy-efficient technologies such as:
Sustainable data centers
Edge computing model : An approach that optimizes the use of energy resources by processing data close to its source, improving performance and reducing the need to move information to centralized infrastructures.
The benefits are tangible: organizations are not only reducing their carbon footprint, but also optimizing costs and moving toward a more sustainable model. Artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in this process. As IDC points out: "By 2026, 60% of companies will implement sustainable AI frameworks, leveraging data-driven decisions to scale AI operations... while meeting decarbonization goals . "
2. Resource Efficiency and Circularity: When Reduce and Reuse Becomes a Strategy
Companies are discovering the value of optimizing resource use, reducing waste, and extending product life through more sustainable design. The examples from large corporations are telling:
Microsoft has achieved an 89.4% reuse rate of servers and components in its cloud infrastructure.
Apple has managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 55% since 2015, thanks to the transition of its supply chain to renewable electricity and the use of recycled materials.
Siemens , committed to circularity, aims to reduce waste sent to landfills by 50% by 2025 and achieve zero waste by 2030.
3. AI and Sustainability: When Artificial Intelligence Puts on the Green Shirt
Artificial intelligence is proving to be a fundamental ally in promoting sustainability, with applications ranging from energy optimization in smart cities to improving the ability to predict natural disasters.
Success stories are multiplying globally:
In Brazil , Sipremo uses AI to provide businesses with detailed information on climate events, contributing to better risk management.
In France , CO2 AI helps organizations measure their environmental impact by quantifying their carbon footprint and identifying effective ways to reduce emissions.
In Denmark , Ento uses AI to optimize energy for businesses and public institutions, managing services such as electricity, gas, district heating, and solar panels.
Conclusion: Beyond a Trend, a Necessity
Sustainable technology has transcended its status as a "trend" to establish itself as a fundamental element in the strategy of any organization that aspires to be relevant in the near future. The benefits are clear: not only does it contribute to preserving the planet, but it also generates operational efficiencies and, increasingly, represents what consumers and markets expect from companies.
The question is no longer whether organizations can afford to implement these technologies, but whether they can afford not to .
Is your organization considering implementing any of these sustainable technologies? Share your experience in the comments!