Most global emissions are attributed to energy-intensive industries, making corporate action indispensable

By Dhanashree Bhat, Chief Operating Officer at Persistent Systems

Climate change is the single greatest threat that humanity faces, which has accentuated the urgency for global action, with countries and industries rallying to meet the ambitious target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Most global emissions are attributed to energy-intensive industries, making corporate action indispensable. The recently concluded COP29 summit reinforced this commitment to accountability, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. This wasn’t just to improve processes but an opportunity to rethink how we, as an industry, lead the charge toward a sustainable future.

For technology firms at the nexus of innovation and energy use, aligning with global climate standards is both an ethical responsibility and an opportunity to gain an edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market. By optimising infrastructure and using energy-efficient technologies, such as advanced cooling systems for data centres or low-power-consumption hardware, companies can significantly reduce their operational costs. But to truly lead, we must go further. Investing in clean energy projects, like carbon capture and regenerative power, can enable us to meet carbon reduction targets and foster meaningful innovation. These aren’t merely speculative notions but executable actions that many forward-thinking companies already embrace.

Sustainable Strategy Building Across Industries
With fast-paced technological advancements in today’s world, the role of industries in maintaining eco-aware practices is critical and complex. According to Deloitte, data centres’ electricity consumption is set to surge through 2030, globally, largely driven by the rapid adoption of 5G networks, proliferation of IoT devices, and increasing reliance on AI.

As these technologies evolve, sustainability efforts must evolve alongside them—ready to anticipate and tackle future challenges of powering an increasingly connected world while minimizing the environmental impact of data-driven technologies. This begins with a comprehensive baseline assessment done by mapping energy consumption across data centres and operations. In parallel, the approach aligns with ethical principles that adhere to frameworks such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and adherence to sustainable goals like the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal.

To catalyse meaningful progress, companies can take a three-fold approach: transforming operations, enabling industries, and empowering individuals.

Transforming Operations: By instilling resource-conscious tactics into core strategies, companies can lead by example—adopting renewable energy at scale, designing energy-efficient data centres, and minimising the environmental impact of hardware production through circular economy principles.

Enabling Industries: Technology can act as the enabler for other sectors to decarbonise faster. Advanced AI and data analytics can identify emission hotspots, optimise energy use, and improve resource allocation across value chains. Solutions like IoT-driven smart infrastructure, carbon management platforms, and blockchain for supply chain transparency enable businesses to monitor operations effectively. These tools allow companies to track and reduce their carbon footprint in real time.

Empowering Individuals: Tech companies can democratise access to tools and insights, empowering individuals and businesses to make informed and impact-aware choices. Digital platforms, for example, can nurture climate-conscious consumer behaviour, while scalable solutions like green fintech and carbon credit marketplaces can stimulate sustainable investments.

By integrating innovation and accountability into these layers of influence, industry leaders have a unique opportunity to set the pace for a global net-zero transition. They can drive lasting change by embedding climate goals into their operational DNA, investing in green technologies, and promoting a culture of accountability. This isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about finding new models of growth, driving systemic collaboration, and building long-term value that benefits businesses, communities, and the planet.

From Strategy to Implementation: Path Toward Net-Zero
Attaining carbon neutrality by 2050 hinges on a collective effort from all stakeholders – including corporations, governments, investors, and individuals. While collaboration is essential for large-scale progress, each group can also take proactive steps to reduce emissions independently, which can often bring economic advantages. To make a difference, corporations must first engage their stakeholders, both inside and outside the organization. Internally, companies can implement sustainability programs such as offering training on waste reduction and resource management, organising initiatives like tree planting, and providing incentives for participation. By making employees active decision-makers, businesses can support an ecosystem of green innovation and drive change at every level. Externally, corporations must engage with customers and suppliers to align environmental commitments. For example, lucid communication with customers about a company’s sustainability efforts can cultivate cooperative partnerships to jointly create eco-friendly solutions. Additionally, conducting regular audits with suppliers ensures adherence to environmental norms, making certain that all aspects of their supply chains are environmentally responsible.

This cohesive model, as emphasised during COP29, positions conservation efforts not only as an abstract ideal but as a tangible strategy toward paving the way for an environmentally sound future.