Sustainability in technology
The impact on a low-carbon economy
Technology, media, and communications play a crucial role in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. These sectors drive sustainable behavior change and offer technology solutions for sustainable development. However, they also contribute to a growing data carbon footprint.
The telecommunications industry, responsible for 2-3% of global energy demand, is expected to increase energy use by 37% by 2030 with the expansion of 5G networks. Data centers, which consume about 1% of global energy-related carbon emissions, are also growing due to AI and Machine Learning advancements. Despite improvements in energy efficiency since 2010, rapid decarbonization is essential to halve emissions by 2030.
Digital transition
The digital transition presents major growth opportunities, with 2.9 billion people still offline. This connectivity can drive sustainable development and financial inclusion. However, failing to achieve a low-carbon digital world poses risks, including increased costs and reputational damage.
Companies must balance growth with emission reductions through accurate carbon footprinting, particularly in scope 3 emissions. Businesses that position themselves as low-carbon solutions for digital growth will attract investors, governments, employees, customers, and partners.
Much of our work in the technology, media and communication sector has included carbon footprinting, Net zero services, IFRS/CSRD risk management, double materiality, reporting and strategic communications.
Technology case studies
Technology insights
Meet our specialist consultants for technology sustainability
Will Bourns
Solutions Manager – Impacts and Dependencies
Will specialises in the quantification of corporate greenhouse gas emissions across direct operations and supply chains in a range of sectors. This enables Will and the team to create net-zero targets and align strategies for companies to halt the worst impacts of climate change by transitioning their companies to 1.5 degrees. Will’s love for the natural world has led him to work with organisations to understand Forest Land and Agricultural emissions (FLAG), associated targets as well risks and opportunities associated with climate and nature.
Will studied Zoology and Natural Sciences at the University of Liverpool and since graduating Will expanded his knowledge through memberships at PIEMA and EI. Before joining Simply Sustainable Will worked at a series of not-for-profit organisations from WWF to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as well as We are Albert where he created an emissions calculator tool used by the film and TV industry to support the supply chain in quantifying its impact. Outside of work, Will volunteers at Care4Calais, a charity supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the UK and Europe.