Tech Leaders Expect Difficulties in Becoming Carbon Neutral

Almost-two thirds (63%) of technology leaders think it will be difficult to become carbon neutral.

That’s according to a survey by Dublin-based distributor DataSolutions. It reports that 57% of tech leaders say it will be somewhat difficult and 6% say it will be very difficult.

Despite this, the research showed that 85% plan to be carbon neutral by the end of 2025.

The research involved 54 ‘Techies Go Green’ signatories at different stages of their path to a greener business. The movement is co-established by DataSolutions to support tech-oriented companies on their sustainability journey. It now has 100 channel members including Cyber Ireland, Enware, QBS Software Ltd. and Softcat.

Making a Difference to Customers and Employees

The survey shows that 37% of organisations are already using a green electricity provider. However, exactly the same number currently don’t use a green electricity provider. Twenty-six percent didn’t even know about them.

Furthermore, some 88% of respondents revealed they would move their corporate workloads and apps to the cloud. The top reason being that it is more easily managed (79%). Other drivers of this move were reducing their carbon footprint as data centers are more efficient (77%) and more secure (68%).

Almost nine in 10 tech leaders (88%) say increasing carbon taxes will accelerate their efforts to reduce their footprint over the next three years.

All respondents believe that becoming carbon neutral makes a difference to customers, with 60% saying it will make them slightly more attractive. Meanwhile, 96% feel it makes a difference to employees. In fact, 30% say it will give them a significant recruiting advantage. One in 10 believe they will lose employees if they do not become carbon neutral.

DataSolutions’ Michael O’Hara

Michael O’Hara is group managing director, DataSolutions. He said the findings show that there are rewards to be reaped in terms of recruitment advantage and customer growth. However, they also indicate that some companies don’t know where to start to achieve this goal.

“It has never been easier to find ways of using renewable power, cleaner energy sources and more sustainable technologies.

“Undoubtedly it is still a daunting task and will take time,” he added. “But that is where Techies Go Green comes in.”

By working collaboratively and implementing the right approaches, he said, firms can become greener and more efficient. They will also play a part “in tackling this global issue.”