Did you know that in 2025, the global cloud computing market is expected to grow to $832 billion (and perhaps even more)? Thanks to recent developments in quantum computing and AI-driven cloud management, these technologies are more accessible than ever before. In fact, cloud computing has become so widespread that even big tech companies have taken action, with many large companies now operating data storage facilities.
For us at Ingenious, that doesn’t come as a surprise. Moving from your on-premises IT systems to cloud solutions may seem like a hassle at first, but it offers many benefits. In fact, it’s the best way to add more flexibility and efficiency to your company’s everyday operations.
But did you know cloud computing can also reduce your environmental impact? Switching to the cloud doesn’t just streamline your business – it can also be beneficial to the planet. How exactly? Let’s take a look at the environmental benefits of cloud computing.
How does Cloud Computing impact decarbonisation?
In these last fifteen years, it seems that the tech world has been buzzing about cloud technologies. Not only have they introduced a new way of working that allows much higher efficiency, but they have also optimised resource use.
According to research by McKinsey & Company, cloud-powered technologies can significantly speed up decarbonisation initiatives. This can be explained by the fact that reducing the number of physical servers increases the average usage of available computing, which has a measurable impact on our carbon footprint. Here are other environmental benefits of switching to cloud computing.
Increased utilisation rate
With cloud computing, tasks which were previously time-consuming and prone to human error can now be completed much more efficiently. As productivity grows, utilisation rates significantly increase, which means more energy is saved.
Likewise, a great advantage of cloud computing is that you can log off whenever you’re finished with your tasks. On-site hardware, on the contrary, is typically required to be constantly run and maintained to be effective, which, of course, doesn’t have a good impact on the environment.
Decreased server count
As more organisations switch to the cloud, the number of physical servers and data centres required will be reduced, leading to significant energy savings and fewer IT carbon emissions. In fact, cloud service providers take many steps to ensure their ultra-efficient data centres are optimised for energy consumption. One of the many ways they do this is by building their centres in cooler climates, which allows them to use energy-intensive cooling systems much less.
In recent years, the introduction of AI has had a significant impact, too. Now, many data centres take advantage of the new technology to monitor and adjust power usage, which ensures all operations are at their peak efficiency.
More efficient remote work
When in 2019 the whole world shut down, and millions stayed home rather than heading to the office, remote work set off a chain reaction that changed how people view their work. Although the pandemic is long gone, companies continue to experiment with different models of remote work. One of the most significant environmental impacts of office work is related to commuting. Did you know that transportation accounts for 26% of the UK’s total emissions? When employees are allowed to work remotely, the pollution reduces significantly.
The great bit about cloud computing is that remote workers can access their files securely, whenever and wherever (as long as there’s an internet connection). Moreover, working remotely also reduces the need for a huge office and constantly running hardware computers.
Reduced electronic waste
The electronic revolution has changed our lives in more ways than one. While it has brought a lot of good, it has had a devastating effect on our planet. Every year, we generate 40 million tonnes of electronic waste. According to the numbers, we’re throwing out 800 laptops every second. That’s terrifying, isn’t it?
One solution to the huge problem is adopting cloud-based services. This way, companies can eliminate IT infrastructure that typically contributes to waste when it is no longer used. Furthermore, many cloud providers now repurpose old servers and hardware components in an attempt to reduce some of the e-waste.
Did You Know
Migrating to the public cloud can reduce global CO₂ emissions by nearly 60 million tons annually.
Accenture
Is Cloud the solution for everyone?
From increased security to greater flexibility – it’s clear that cloud storage offers many advantages that support business scalability. But is it really the best option for everyone?
What’s great about cloud computing is that it suits companies of all shapes and sizes. That’s because it has almost unlimited scalability, with minimal maintenance, and usually quite low upfront costs.
However, there are some disadvantages to cloud computing, as well. In some cases, it can lead to unexpected costs if not managed carefully. Likewise, organisations operating in highly regulated industries may find that there are many challenges related to data compliance. Sometimes, it may be easier to keep data in-house, which offers more control.
Although cloud computing is evolving quickly, it’s still challenging to migrate some applications to the cloud. If you’re working with specific applications that aren’t yet very cloud-friendly, your existing on-premises infrastructure may be more convenient.
Final thoughts
Curbing the emissions of greenhouse gases related to human activities remains one of the biggest challenges we face today. Unfortunately, the information and communications technology sector has a quite damaging effect on the output of CO2 emissions. For this reason, finding a more sustainable approach to technology should be a goal for everyone – from small to large enterprises.
One of the best ways companies can move toward more green technology use is by switching to the cloud. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but it also gives you access to computing resources that are flexible and scalable on demand.
Interested to learn more? Our Cloud Data Platform is the perfect sharing solution for companies who seek a balance of features vs. costs. If you’re ready to experience the game-changer that the cloud can be, get in touch with our team. We’ll gladly answer all of your questions!
