Thursday, June 12, 2025
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From large technology companies and researchers to users and international organizations, this movement aims to promote a more sustainable way of using technology and minimize its impact thanks to a number of practices such as recycling devices, using the cloud, and developing energy-efficient software.
Every time we send an email, search the internet, or share a selfie, we leave an invisible environmental footprint, and movements such as green IT or green digital, which are based on premises such as using only renewable energy or being part of the circular economy, aim to minimize this impact.
Although they are similar, experts agree that these two concepts should not be confused, as the first one is focused on sustainable technology that incorporates energy-responsible practices, while the second focuses on the world of data, the Internet of Things, or the proper use of AI and blockchain to boost sustainability.
To achieve a zero — or even positive — impact, the green computing approach starts right from the design phase and also encourages appropriate use and management of computer systems, all without compromising on performance and functionality. One of the keys could lie "in next-generation nanotechnology," according to Amalio Fernández Pacheco, who gained a PhD from the University of Zaragoza and is a professor at the Vienna University of Technology’s Institute of Applied Physics (Austria).
This expert explains that "the technological revolution has been made possible by the miniaturization of integrated circuits. However, with greater processing power comes higher energy consumption.” This is exactly the reason why he believes that "we must focus on creating new, more environmentally friendly technologies based on completely different mechanisms."
Fernández Pacheco’s research explores the use of "magnetic nanowires that are capable of storing and processing information without the need for a continuous energy supply." This would be a major step towards creating more efficient and sustainable chips and would make a decisive contribution to minimizing the environmental impact of computing.
However, while the nanotechnology revolution takes shape, we can use we already have available. In this regard, Fernando Thompson de la Rosa, general manager of IT at the University of the Americas (UDLAP) in Mexico, believes that the key lies in big data and the Internet of Things: "These technologies allow us to develop smart solutions that optimize resource usage and minimize impact, and nobody can deny the fact that we need more sustainable technology," he argues. To achieve this, he also proposes getting markets and the economic environment involved by "creating green startups with business models that are sustainable by design".
But raising digital awareness that promotes responsible technology usage is not only down to the users and professionals who use it on a daily basis but also requires the involvement of politicians and government bodies. According to the global technology innovation consulting firm PALO IT, it is "essential to implement sustainable practices such as those recommended by the GR491 framework in Europe," highlights Malo Reisin, the firm's Impact Manager.
The GR491 is a benchmark framework in Europe that was developed to promote ecodesign for sustainable digital services. It consists of 61 recommendations and a total of 516 criteria organized into eight families, covering everything from project specifications and strategy to architecture, frontend and backend development, user experience, content, and hosting. It is intended to be used as a guide by organizations and professionals to create digital services with a minimal impact, promoting practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and social inclusion.
What are large companies doing in this regard?
Some of the world’s major international tech companies are aware of the need to invest in green computing and have already taken action.
For example, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced an investment of €15.7 billion in three new sustainable data centers in Aragon, as part of its global strategy to reduce its infrastructure’s carbon footprint. According to the company, their data centers are up to four times more energy efficient than traditional ones thanks to the innovative cooling systems, optimized hardware, and intensive use of renewable energy. In addition, AWS is included in Amazon's climate commitment for the entire company to operate with 100% renewable energy by 2025, as detailed on its sustainability portal.
Microsoft also aims to be carbon negative by 2030, which means it will remove more carbon than it emits. The company from Redmond plans to use 100% renewable energy by 2025 and be water positive by 2030. What's more, it has set up circular data centers that reuse 90% of servers and components to significantly reduce the amount of electronic waste.
IBM is another major company committed to green IT that has undertaken to source 75% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of 2025 and 90% by 2030. At the same time, the company ensures that it develops more energy-efficient artificial intelligence models, such as the Granite Series, which offers high performance with a smaller environmental footprint.
All these factors suggest that we have already begun our necessary journey along the path toward green computing. In fact, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) promotes this approach through international cooperation, working with countries and their governments on the development of e-waste management systems to safely extract discarded materials that could potentially generate an estimated $62.5 billion.
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