90 per cent of surveyed IT leaders recognise sustainability as a key IT objective within their organisation

This is encouraging, particularly given that almost 70 per cent of surveyed IT leaders also expect IT budgets being invested within IT sustainability to increase by 10-20 per cent in the next three years. On top of this, 45 per cent believe IT sustainability will become a key element in procurement processes in three years’ time. This shows that organisations are comfortable using IT to facilitate their sustainability goals and recognise the contributions IT can make towards net zero.  

When questioned on the key drivers for IT sustainability within their organisation, IT leadership strategy (56%), increase in general awareness (44%) and environmental concerns (43%), were top drivers across most organisations surveyed. 

Ben Barry, Director, Coeus Consulting, commented: 

“Whilst organisations are taking the right steps towards IT sustainability by building strategies and investing in technologies like cloud, CIOs and IT leaders have the potential to facilitate an organisation-wide shift to sustainability. They should be taking a leading role in defining key performance indicators, targets and frameworks to be adopted at the organisational level, monitor progress and hold the organisation accountable.”

Kerry Osborne, Sustainability Lead, Coeus Consulting, added:

“The private sector has a key role to play in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with almost one third of the EU’s largest companies pledging to reach net-zero by 2050. Organisations are missing a trick by relegating technology’s contribution to sustainability to a ‘support’ role. They need to recognise that incorporating leaner IT processes, adding sustainability measures within IT procurement, and reducing IT energy consumption can go a long way towards meeting these goals."

You can view the full report here.