8 Ways to Make Your Business’s Computing Eco-Friendly

What is green computing?

Green computing is also known as sustainable computing. It’s the energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way of designing, developing, using, and disposing of computers and other computing devices.

Sustainable businesses follow environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives that focus on green and ethical practices. By following ESG standards, organizations can become more successful by consistently improving their green strategies.

How to make your company’s computing more eco-friendly

It can take time for organizations to make lasting changes. Often, business leaders view energy conservation initiatives as too complicated, time-consuming or futile.

But prioritizing a sustainability model can be as simple as keeping current with modern computing and cloud-based technology. Here are eight ways to harness the benefits of going green without disrupting your small business’s day-to-day operations.

1. Invest in energy-efficient hardware.

Investing in energy-efficient equipment is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. IT equipment, such as hardware and servers, contributes massively to energy consumption and harms the environment — not to mention a small business’s bottom line. On-site equipment is typically overprovisioned, resulting in an abundance of inefficient and underused hardware.

Mark Bradley, senior manager of product management at Flexera, noted, “Upgrading modern, power-efficient computers, servers and networking devices can significantly lower a company’s overall energy use. Tracking hardware energy consumption helps businesses identify optimal times for equipment upgrades, ensuring they significantly reduce energy waste.”

2. Use virtualization.

Virtualization helps reduce the number of physical devices a company needs. Businesses can run multiple virtual machines on one physical server, reducing their overall tech budget.

“This strategy not only cuts hardware costs but also drastically lowers energy consumption. Virtualized environments lead to more efficient resource use and reduced heat generation, helping organizations reduce their environmental footprint,” said Bradley.

3. Implement cloud-based computing.

The cloud is one of the business world’s most significant opportunities to lessen the impact of climate change. The best cloud providers are growing leaders in emissions savings, as their efficient data centers and ongoing innovation reduce IT’s impact on the environment. Undoubtedly, more and more companies will embrace the cloud as technology advances and organizations embrace environmental initiatives.

Bradley agrees that there can be substantial energy savings by moving IT operations to the cloud. “By analyzing cloud providers’ energy consumption and emissions data, businesses can choose the most sustainable option, ensuring their shift to the cloud aligns with their green goals,” he said.

Businesses that replace typical desktop computers with hosted clients slash their carbon emissions and power consumption; hosted clients reduce production, packaging, shipping, and the use and incorrect disposal of traditional desktop computers. Cloud providers are poised to make a giant dent in the nation’s carbon emissions by reducing the reliance on costly hardware.

4. Consider going remote.

Remote work can reduce carbon emissions in various ways and improve employee happiness and team morale. Telework cuts the need for energy-guzzling, expensive office spaces and carbon-costly commutes. Also, it opens up a new world of talent for you to consider.

Companies have found varying levels of success in saving energy through remote work. While some don’t see a significant benefit, businesses such as Salesforce calculated that remote work cut emissions by 29 percent per employee.

5. Eliminate paper from your workflow.

The elimination of paper is a relatively manageable but transformative action that the business world can take to reduce climate change. The pulp and paper sector was responsible for about 190 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2021, a historic high for the industry, according to the International Energy Agency. Plus, paper production projections are expected to continue rising until at least 2030.

Computerized management systems allow offices to scan paper documents. This creates a highly navigable and secure library and substantially reduces paper consumption. Using energy sources other than fossil fuels can also help reduce the heat needed for the paper and pulp drying process.

6. Use power management.

By implementing automated systems within your tech equipment, you can ensure that power isn’t wasted. Use automation to activate sleep modes or even shut down systems when not in use to prevent energy loss.

“Monitoring device utilization helps businesses identify where power management improvements can be made, reducing energy waste without compromising performance,” explained Bradley.

7. Recycle your electronic waste.

As workforce teams go remote, technology has been implemented in almost every aspect of the business. Reliance on tech creates excessive electronic waste — a mountain of cell phones, computers, tablets and flat-screen TVs.

Unfortunately, unwanted technology is often not disposed of properly through responsible recycling. Instead, most companies dump the old electronics into landfills or ship them to developing countries to be burned — harming human life and the environment.

A simple Google search can help you find an electronics recycling center in your city. In addition, consider partnering with a charity in your area that could distribute these devices to people in need.

8. Choose an environmentally responsible web host.

Most web hosting providers have large carbon footprints and don’t power their services with renewable energy. Green web hosting is affordable and can help your company be eco-conscious. Companies such as GreenGeeks, DreamHost, Solve and iPage provide green hosting solutions that won’t break the bank.

A typical web host company contains hundreds to thousands of rack-mounted hardware that runs 24/7, causing a massive drain on energy. Web hosting companies can go green in three main ways:

1. By investing in green tags from green energy supplies
2. By participating in recycling initiatives that provide carbon credits, thereby reducing a company’s carbon footprint
3. By creating their own power using solar or wind energy technology

The benefits for eco-forward companies

Incorporating eco-friendly practices isn’t just good for the planet; it also helps businesses’ longevity, financial stability and reputation. Here are some of the benefits of going green:

Reduced costs and increased efficiency

Businesses can reduce operational costs by streamlining processes so they don’t rely solely on equipment, paper or other resources. This also allows companies to be more mobile and to adapt more quickly to the needs of their industry.

Once your tech is optimized, you will see an increase in performance and energy efficiency; this can allow you to divert resources to other projects. Businesses that focus on green computing often achieve more with less. “A key piece of advice is to treat carbon consumption like you would treat dollars,” said Bradley. “Companies that optimize their IT infrastructure not only reduce their carbon footprint but also drive significant cost savings, often reducing energy consumption by as much as 30 percent.”

Federal and state tax incentives

Further savings are possible when you consider federal and state tax incentives for cutting carbon emissions. Plus, opportunities from government entities that require eco-friendly products or services can add to savings.

According to Energy.gov, there are two tax credits for businesses that purchase solar energy systems: the investment tax credit (ITC) and production tax credit (PTC).

Sustainability partnerships

Becoming more eco-friendly also opens your company to partners, talent and customers with similar values. More than two-thirds of the consumers (68 percent) surveyed in the Business of Sustainability Index (“BOSI”) by PDI Technologies, for instance, said they would pay more for sustainable products.

In fact, according to ESG Today, consumers are willing to pay 12 percent more for sustainable products which could help offset any costs of going green. Implementing an eco-friendly business strategy creates long-term consumer loyalty while maintaining profitability.

Regulatory compliance

Having a sustainability strategy in place can help prepare you for increasing federal and state environmental regulations. Tracking and reporting energy use encourages environmental impact transparency.

Being transparent with internal employees, consumers and stakeholders provides accountability. By focusing on green strategies, your business can reduce its carbon footprint year after year.

Positive brand reputation

Making your business known as an active participant in curbing climate change could do wonders for your reputation. This would place you in an elite class of conscientious companies worldwide, which will pull ahead as consumers’ tolerance for passive eco-friendliness wanes.

Stay ahead of competitors by keeping current with green compliance and expectations. Adding sustainability can help you appeal to a wider audience of consumers and valued stakeholders.

Long-term risk mitigation

Bradley stresses the importance of green computing strategies in today’s marketplace. “Predictive analytics and scenario planning can help companies anticipate energy challenges and regulatory changes, ensuring they are equipped to handle future risks in a rapidly changing environment,” he said.

By placing a focus on green computing now, your business can be better prepared for uncertainties in the future. Your eco-friendly investments provide a foundation for a consistent reduction in your company’s carbon footprint — while steadily increasing your brand’s transparency, profitability and longevity.

Robin Hau contributed to this article.