Because they use server systems with cutting-edge power optimisation, above and beyond what most companies can get from on-prem data centres
Sustainability in the cloud.
Harness your IT infrastructure to become more sustainable - without sacrificing your digitalisation goals.
Get in Touch Take steps towards sustainable IT.
We help organisations understand their IT-related emissions and how to reduce these with the public cloud.
In 2010, data centres utilised 1% of all electricity consumed globally. This number is estimated to grow six to eight fold by 2030. Digitalisation and data-intensive technologies are important growth drivers for companies today. They also drive significant – and increasing – emissions.
In today’s world, organisations have to understand their carbon footprint better and take serious actions to reduce their emissions and overall environmental impact.
Digitalisation and the use of data-intensive technologies certainly impact the environment, but cloud and enterprise IT functions can also be assets in sustainability efforts.
In fact, businesses can no longer afford to ignore the important role cloud and enterprise IT functions play in achieving their increasingly strict, regulated sustainability targets.
Improve the sustainability of your IT functions using the cloud.
Getting started with sustainable IT.
You can achieve measurable CO2e savings simply by using public cloud instead of on-premise or private cloud data centres.
According to recent studies, cloud computing is one of the biggest opportunities for IT emissions reduction. Economies of scale are key to achieving any measurable and significant reductions here, which is why energy usage and emissions are lower when you use public cloud. Hyperscalers, like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud, can help you to:
Reduce power consumption
Improve usage efficiencies
Achieving higher IT asset utilisation because they can dynamically allocate resources and capacity across multiple customers
Improve energy efficiency
Because they design data centres to optimise cooling and power distribution, which increases energy efficiency
Adopt renewables
Because providers are increasingly using renewable energy – for instance, AWS and Microsoft Azure are on a path to 100% renewable use by 2025
Organisations in every industry need to meet increasingly strict sustainability demands from regulators and customers alike. Why overlook the massive potential of the cloud in helping you better understand and reduce your IT-related emissions?
Connect with our cloud sustainability and green IT experts to discuss how you can take steps towards sustainability in cloud. Let’s look at enterprise IT through a planetary lens.
Get started
Why Nordcloud?
Faster results
We’re cloud pioneers with a 100% cloud heritage. Our unique viewpoint combines cloud-native expertise and the latest insights into green IT. We have a proven track record helping teams evolve from legacy technologies and working practices.
Finger on the pulse
Our team consists of seasoned compliance, ESG and quality professionals passionate about keeping up with the latest developments and trends in sustainable technologies. They test and integrate updated knowledge from legislation, standardisation, research and public interest to help clients achieve their environmental impact goals.
Objective advice
We’re a leading partner for all three public cloud platforms – Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services. With us, you get impartial advice for making a case for sustainability considering your particular IT infrastructure, applications and organisation.
The latest in sustainability at Nordcloud.
Why data should be seen as a renewable resource.
“Data is the new oil.” This analogy might be familiar, but is it accurate? Did you know you can use the cloud to design data pipelines that are intermittent and scalable, which can make your data strategy more sustainable? That’s why Nordcloud’s Global Data Solution Architect Quentin Baret says data should actually be seen as a renewable resource.
Watch the 10-minute video to learn more:
"What's the environmental impact of cloud? And how do we make it better?"
In this episode we dive into the real impact of IT and cloud operations – and what can be done by companies and hyperscalers to make this impact better. We’re joined by Tanja and Quentin – two of Nordcloud’s eco warriors, who answer things like:
- Why should companies be putting sustainability at the top of their agendas?
- How do different industries compare?
- What are the actionable steps that leading companies in this space are taking?
- What are the cloud providers doing?
- What legislations should companies be thinking about?
And Tanja shares some takeaways from her recent work with a major company in this area.
Content Hub.
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Sustainability in cloud: FAQ.
What does sustainable IT or green IT mean?
By sustainable IT we refer to the analysis and attempts to reduce the environmental impacts of IT in order to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. In simplest terms, the sustainable IT actions target at bringing down IT related greenhouse gas emissions.
Is sustainability truly a relevant topic for enterprise IT?
Yes. Already in 2010, data centres alone utilised 1% of all electricity consumed globally – this number is expected to grow six to eight fold by 2030. Digitalisation and data-intensive technologies are an important growth driver for companies but also a source of emissions. It is no longer an option for enterprise IT functions not to contribute to company sustainability targets.
Is the public cloud always more sustainable than on-premise data centers?
Yes. According to studies, devices and cloud computing are the two areas which hold the biggest potential for IT emissions reduction. Categorically, on-prem data centres cannot compete with the hyperscalers, for example, because of energy efficiency of data centers and the use of renewable energy to power them.
Are there differences between the hyperscalers in terms of sustainability?
This is a complex comparison but there are some clear differences between the hyperscalers, for example, in their ambition level to reach carbon neutrality or the percentage of renewables in their power mix. We recommend always doing the comparison in a real-life context, not by looking at generic, overly simplified comparison tables.
What is the cost of green IT for our organisation?
The beauty of it is that becoming greener is often associated with cost savings rather than additional investments. In today’s world, money follows sustainability. On top come the numerous benefits related to company reputation from the perspectives of investors, employees and clients. Not to mention the benefit of saving the planet. Don’t let go of sustainability because you think you cannot afford it.
How can I get started in understanding my cloud and IT-related emissions?
There are diverse ways to approach IT-related emissions and sustainability goals using the public cloud. Our 5-step model starts with acknowledging the facts, moves on into building an emissions baseline and concludes with a thorough green IT strategy combined with an action plan, follow-up metrics and reporting. If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to us!
Get in Touch.
Connect with our cloud sustainability and green IT experts to discuss how you can take steps towards sustainability in cloud. Let’s look at enterprise IT through a planetary lens.
Tanja is a combination of a technology enthusiast and an organisation change strategist. Her ambition is to view things both from the perspective of a single human being and the planet.
Tanja Petrell
LinkedIn
Senior Advisor, Sustainability & People Change