Sustainable digital infrastructure: Engine for innovation, competitiveness, and energy savings

How can companies shrink the environmental impact caused by the technology behind their operations? The answer lies in innovation and commitment to a sustainable digital infrastructure.

Faced with the growing need for efficiency and sustainability, companies are dealing with a double responsibility: reducing costs while meeting strict environmental standards, which have become essential to stay competitive. However, what is not always regarded is that both objectives can complement each other. In fact, according to Gartner, 80% of companies consider that their sustainability initiatives not only boosted their environmental commitment but contributed to optimizing and reducing operational costs. This underscores the importance of having a sustainable digital infrastructure in place as a strategic solution to tackle this double challenge.

“When conceived and executed efficiently, technology can be a significant catalyst for business sustainability and efficiency,” said Carlos Allende, commercial director of Cirion Technologies. And he continued: “by digitizing processes and operations, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, optimize resource consumption and improve their operational efficiency, which translates into substantial long-term cost savings and greater resilience in the face of economic fluctuations.”

Energy efficiency: the path to sustainability and savings

Imagine your daily journey: you start by reviewing financial reports in your tablet, you analyze sales metrics in real time and then you connect to a videoconference with the global team to discuss expansion into new markets. Between meetings, you review the latest sustainability reports in the cloud, and, at the end of the day, you access a project management system that allows you to monitor each area of the company.

Each of these actions, from data consultation to remote collaboration, depends on a robust digital infrastructure, with physical data centers and resources for constant and secure operation.  Data centers are essential in digital infrastructure, but they also consume large amounts of energy, around 1% of the world’s electricity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This is just an example that without a sustainability strategy, these essential systems can represent high operational costs and a significant environmental impact.

“For many organizations, the cost of energy to operate data centers, networks and digital devices represents a significant burden. The adoption of technologies that optimize energy consumption not only reduces said expenditure, but it also enables a more rational resource management,” said Cirion Technologies’ executive. “Companies can reduce their energy bills by using low-power servers and cloud data management solutions, which also facilitate resource scalability without increasing energy consumption”, he concluded.

Digital transformation redefines business sustainability

It is understandable that implementing a sustainable digital infrastructure, within the framework of digital transformation in companies, involves a considerable initial investment, but its long-term benefits are undeniable. Allende, from Cirion Technologies, highlights the main advantages for businesses:

• Operational cost reduction: Energy efficiency and streamlined use of technological resources, from data center to applications, reduce energy, data center cooling, and maintenance related expenses, thus achieving a tighter and more predictable cost structure.

• Improved operational efficiency: Sustainable infrastructure drives digitalization and process automation, reducing redundancy, accelerating operations and minimizing human errors; and in the end, improving overall productivity.

• Compliance with environmental regulations: Companies can stay ahead of increasing environmental regulations through a sustainable IT infrastructure; thus, sanction risks are minimized and a better adjustment to future standards is achieved.

• Good reputation: Committing to sustainable practices strengthens the company’s reputation. Consumers and investors increasingly value responsible practices and prefer to support companies with a clear environmental commitment, which can translate into greater revenue and brand loyalty.

• Talent attraction and retention: Nowadays, professionals value working for companies that promote sustainability. Implementing these practices helps attract and retain talent, especially younger generations, who prioritize employers with strong environmental principles.

• Competitive advantage: A sustainable digital infrastructure allows companies to differentiate themselves in a saturated market, attracting customers and investors who prioritize sustainable and responsible practices.

• Drive innovation: Digital infrastructure usually includes advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, which foster innovation, opening opportunities for the development of products and services where business growth and sustainability objectives are aligned.

Supporting business operations and processes on a sustainable digital infrastructure is a current need today that opens the door for any company to a more profitable, resilient future, aligned with the environmental values required by consumers and society today. It is not just about reducing the carbon footprint, but building an efficient operational structure, capable of reducing costs and optimizing resources, while reinforcing brand reputation and complying with increasingly strict environmental regulations.

“The adoption of a ‘green’ digital infrastructure allows businesses to turn environmental and operational challenges into opportunities for growth and differentiation, managing to maintain their competitiveness in the market and setting their leadership position. This transformation to sustainability goes beyond the business benefit, it also reaches their employees, customers and communities, ensuring a positive and lasting impact across levels,” concluded Allende.