In the modern world, nearly every industry and establishment relies on technology for efficiency and functionality. But aside from adapting to new trends brought about by the continuous demands of markets and consumers, numerous businesses have begun considering their carbon footprint and environmental impact in their daily tasks.
The growing demand to implement sustainable or green technology in the workplace led to a movement that shifted the usual “business as always” mindsets to become more environment-conscious.
For instance, many offices, companies, and other establishments found an alternative energy source to supply their energy needs. The most common source of clean and renewable energy is the sun, with many institutions installing solar panels on their premises to soak up the sun’s rays and convert them into energy.
It powers business appliances, gadgets, and other electronics required to function at a fraction of the cost. Without commercial electricity, companies can cut costs from their regular expenses.
Meanwhile, those in the transport industry who rely heavily on vehicles to maintain operations also switched to green technology by utilizing electric vehicles. Although there’s some debate on how these vehicles can reduce their carbon footprint, seeing as how they use commercial electricity to run rather than fossil fuels, it helps reduce human activities to search for fossil fuel and air pollutants from burning fossil fuels.
While still on the topic of vehicles, it’s relevant to note that some fuel companies in the Philippines and across the globe have begun offering more environment-friendly fuel options to consumers. Others have also started research and development efforts to discover other natural and renewable resources they can use for biogas.
Everyday efforts to be sustainable
Other than usual efforts from companies and their executives, everyday employees can also find a way to adopt green technology and be sustainable workers. One prime example is going paperless.
Modern technology offers users a similar experience to everyday tasks, like filing, writing letters, and more, using new gadgets and devices. They can access software with similar and useful functions through computers, tablets, and phones without the paper trail, thus minimizing a company’s carbon footprint.
Another tool equipped into these gadgets or devices is the cloud, a global network of servers, each with a unique function. It stores and manages data, runs applications, and delivers content and services like streaming videos, webmail, and office productivity software over the Internet, allowing users to access files, provided they have permission from their owners.
Besides the software they use for work, employees and administrators must consider other office appliances to ensure they’re eco-friendly. Kettles, fridges, printers, microwaves, and such must not have a substandard energy efficiency rating because it means they use more energy than necessary. Purchasing new, capable appliances with high energy efficiency ratings can save energy and cost.
Workspaces are also an ideal area to implement green technology. While most offices transitioned their architecture to accommodate natural light or LED lights, another viable option is to use sensor-operated fixtures to help regulate the energy used in a space. With motion sensor lights, faucets, and other installations, companies can save more money from electricity people don’t use.
Turning down the air conditioning during colder days can also help reduce energy, even if some people only see it as a small step. Other steps include using rechargeable batteries to avoid too much waste from entering landfills.
Benefits of green technology
Since green technology can reduce the amount of waste and a company’s carbon footprint, it also has the advantage of helping businesses cut costs for their operations. Yet that’s not the only edge when switching to green technology.
As more consumers see the benefits of green technology, businesses that implement a similar lifestyle can attract a broader market that shares similar ideals. For instance, hotels and product manufacturers cater to different customers long-term because their sustainable efforts catch their eyes.
Employees have also gained much from green technology. Aside from increasing their productivity, sustainable alternatives provide them with a healthier environment by eradicating exposure to harmful chemicals that could affect employee morale.
In the meantime, using the Cloud is also an ideal way for employees to deal with office-related disasters because it keeps relevant files within arms reach.
There are more benefits to green technology that have yet to be tapped by the market or global industries. As the trend continues, they can continue to maximize the potential of sustainable developments to create an eco-friendly yet highly productive environment.
Looking forward to sustainable trends in 2024
Even though sustainable trends have been in the spotlight for some years, consumers can still expect more from respective industries in the coming years as they continue to meet net-zero commitments according to global treaties. Individuals will also increasingly leverage technology to minimize their environmental impact.
Some concepts economies across the globe will focus on include durability, recyclability, and reusability built directly into products at the design stage. Possible innovations include the tech industry embracing new ideas, like green cloud computing, where infrastructure and services prioritize energy and carbon emission reduction, along with sustainable software applications designed to help institutions and communities live in a more eco-friendly manner.
Transport companies, like airlines and vehicles, will also be intensifying their efforts to provide cleaner transportation options to consumers. Some have already begun investing in the ideal technology to streamline the process and produce products or services to improve their environment preservation efforts across the globe. Several airline companies are offering cleaner and more sustainable means of transportation.
Meanwhile, plastic manufacturers and private organizations are finding more options to speed up the degradation of plastic materials that will enter circulation.
However, new developments also come with challenges. Some include producing ethical and sustainable methods for sourcing and extracting materials to manufacture devices, changing consumer behavior, and bridging disparities between green technology and numerous communities.
Although sustainability remains a long-term goal for industries across the globe, with the right tools and steps, consumers in their workplaces can take steps to achieve a shared objective. With enough effort, the world can function with modern technology and natural resources.