Capgemini-可持续IT是绿色未来的支柱（英文）-2021.5-40页_6mb

Sustainable IT Summary

Core Content

Sustainable IT refers to an environment-focused approach to the design, use, and disposal of computer hardware and software, along with the associated business processes. It encompasses responsible mining of rare metals, water conservation, and circular economy principles. The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of enterprise IT while improving efficiency and performance.

Main Points

• Environmental Impact:
  Enterprise IT is a significant contributor to the global carbon footprint. In 2019, data centers accounted for nearly 1% of the world's energy demand. E-waste generation is also rising, with 53.6 million tons produced in 2019 and expected to grow to 74 million tons by 2030.
  The production of IT devices often has a higher carbon footprint than their usage. AI training alone can generate emissions equivalent to flying a person from New York to San Francisco.

• Awareness and Strategy:
  Only 43% of executives are aware of their organization's IT footprint. While 50% of firms have an enterprise-wide sustainability strategy, only 18% have a comprehensive sustainable IT strategy with clear goals and timelines.
  Sustainable IT is not a priority for most organizations, with 89% recycling less than 10% of their IT hardware.

• Implementation Challenges:
  A major barrier to sustainable IT adoption is the lack of tools and standards to measure the carbon footprint. 49% of organizations cite this as a challenge. Additionally, 53% lack the required expertise for sustainable IT implementation.
  Many organizations are also concerned about the costs and risks of implementing sustainable IT, fearing it might impact business continuity and security.

• Benefits of Sustainable IT:
  High maturity organizations that have effectively implemented sustainable IT initiatives report significant benefits. These include:

  • 61% have improved their ESG score and brand image
  • 56% have improved customer satisfaction
  • 44% have achieved tax savings
  • On average, 12% cost reduction is observed in organizations that have scaled sustainable IT use cases.

Key Use Cases for Sustainable IT

Roadmap for Sustainable IT Implementation

1. Foundation Stage:

   • Conduct a qualitative and quantitative diagnostic assessment.
   • Develop a sustainable IT strategy aligned with the broader organizational sustainability goals.

2. Governance Stage:

   • Establish a dedicated sustainable IT team.
   • Ensure top leadership support.
   • Implement lifecycle carbon footprint accounting and environmental disclosure policies.
   • Develop user awareness and change management programs.

3. Operational Stage:

   • Integrate sustainability as a key pillar in software architecture.
   • Operationalize sustainable IT initiatives across the enterprise.

Environmental Disclosure and Policy

• Organizations should mandate public disclosure and sustainability reporting for IT operations.
• Establish green policies for IT hardware and services procurement.
• Require environmental disclosure from IT vendors.
• Advocate circular economy principles for vendors.

Conclusion

The adoption of sustainable IT is still in its early stages, with most organizations lacking awareness, strategy, and the necessary tools and expertise. However, the potential benefits, including cost savings, improved ESG scores, and enhanced brand image, are substantial. A structured three-stage roadmap is essential to drive progress and ensure the successful implementation of sustainable IT initiatives.