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18 Nov The Environmental Impact of Moving to Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is quickly becoming one of the most important advancements for modern businesses. With no signs of slowing down, the benefits of cloud-based systems can’t be overstated. So, the environmental benefits of cloud computing is extremely important.
One of the most significant benefits of cloud computing is its environmental impact on your business. With the ever-looming threat of ‘climate catastrophe’ and a massive push for companies to go ‘green,’ cloud computing is a major way for companies to begin pushing the envelope in this regard.
We believe that the environmental impact of technology cannot be ignored and that any way to reduce this effect is a positive thing for your company and the world at large.
That is why in this article, we are going to look at the environmental benefits of cloud computing, and how your company can get started with cloud computing today!
The Growing Importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
Investing in ‘Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is becoming important for many companies:
- Environmental: The impact of your company on the environment.
- Social: The impact of your company on the people around you and the people within it (employees).
- Governance: The governance of your company, or more specifically how ethically the company is running.
As companies become more socially responsible, ESG is becoming a key factor in how those companies are run. Large or small, organisations are finding that ESG is key to both increasing their reputation and attracting both new customers and employees — nurturing growth.
Microsoft has led the charge of environmental awareness, pledging to be ‘carbon-negative by 2050’. Whilst a massive undertaking, companies like Microsoft are finding that they have the power to make a change for the better regarding environmental sustainability and climate awareness.
Adobe has found that it too wants to take a sustainable approach to its technologies, and aims to operate on 100% renewable energy by 2035. With large companies like Microsoft and Adobe taking the charge and becoming environmentally conscious, companies are finding it far more important to examine their environmental impact and improve their sustainability.
ESG also creates value for your company too. McKinsey found that companies with ESG targets had more growth and positive effects on companies and that it is becoming integral to any company in the modern day.
With so many benefits, there is no question that any company must focus on ESG. Rather than fall behind and let your company’s growth stunt and reputation dwindle, looking at ESG can be a way to breathe new life into your company. By doing so, you can not only benefit your company but also the world around you.
How Cloud Computing Can Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Higher Utilisation Rate
Cloud Computing significantly increases utilisation rates, due to higher productivity and workflow. This is great, as higher utilisation means more energy saved — saving costs and lessening the environmental impact of your energy consumption.
Furthermore, a higher utilisation rate also means that you are spending less time running physical hardware as you can log out of a virtual instance when finished — whereas usually, on-prem hardware will need to be constantly run and maintained to be effective for your whole institution.
Enable Remote Work
Remote working has taken the post-pandemic world by storm and has single-handedly dropped carbon emissions by 15%. By allowing your employees to work remotely, there’s no having to use transport to get to work — with passenger cars being one of the lead polluters on EU roads.
Remote work also means that you do not have to have hardware running on-site, as your employees will instead be working from home. This saves emissions as computer hardware can accrue energy usage rapidly, and so slashing those emissions can significantly help your company’s carbon footprint.
Improve Efficiency
Cloud computing is incredibly efficient. With Microsoft Azure’s commitment to sustainability — stating that moving to Azure can “reduce your carbon footprint up to 98%” — their push for sustainable data centres has become apparent.
Microsoft states that the Microsoft Cloud is ‘between 22 and 93 per cent more energy efficient than traditional enterprise data centres’. For any company with an on-prem infrastructure, which is a huge shift towards becoming more environmentally sustainable as a company.
Powered By Renewable Energy
Microsoft has committed that Azure will be running on 100% renewable energy by 2025. Whilst a large undertaking, this is already far better than most on-prem solutions, which run on mains electricity for most organisations.
Furthermore, Microsoft not only fuels Azure with renewable energy but also has partnered with solar farms in Virginia to propel the green revolution into full force, creating jobs and growth in the green industry. Not only does this help with your environmental commitments to green usage, but also means that any money put into Azure is investing in green initiatives and the growth of sustainability.
Cost-Effective Energy Innovations
Microsoft not only wants to help lead the green revolution but also innovate their technology to the next level of sustainability. By using Azure as a cloud-based solution, this innovation is at your disposal.
Azure provides a wealth of tools to be able to run your business on your terms, and that does not end with sustainability. With water-cooled AI options and a switch from diesel to a less-carbon-intensive backup generator fuel, Microsoft continues to push the envelope to allow your business to become as sustainable as possible.
Become Environmentally Equipped with Microsoft Azure
Environmental awareness and ESG are becoming increasingly important in our modern, environmentally conscious world. Cloud-based computing is one of the best ways you can reduce your company’s environmental impact.
By investing in a cloud-based solution, you both reduce costs and reduce carbon emissions — both of which contribute to your company’s overall growth and profitability. Also, doing better for the planet is a fantastic way for your company to increase its reputation in the public eye.
Are you ready to improve your company’s environmental impact and help your organization grow and prosper? Contact us today and see how we can help!
