In today’s world, going green is increasingly important. As cloud computing becomes more popular, companies have realized that they can gain flexibility, scalability and cost-savings by utilizing a public cloud. Cloud computing benefits not only the workplace but also the environment. Moving IT operations to a public cloud provider means fewer servers are necessary, reducing power consumption. Here are the top reasons cloud technology is better for you and the environment.
Cutting Carbon Emissions
A data center is typically a massive, heat-generating facility that utilizes valuable resources. Data Centers require a great deal of energy to operate and keep servers cool since they are open 24 hours a day. Cloud computing can minimize carbon emissions by reducing energy consumption and aggregating discrete data centers into large-scale facilities that efficiently manage energy. By optimizing the physical environment (for example, in cold climates, cloud computing facilities can reduce the amount of power spent cooling the servers), cloud computing can also reduce wasted energy.
Reducing Energy Consumption With Cloud Communication
Cloud communication solutions effectively allow businesses to interact with their employees and clients on multiple channels. Updating outdated methods with this system can reduce energy exponentially. By implementing this technology, a company can minimize using nonrenewable resources for communication. Organizations can deliver high-scale, reliable messaging through a hyperscale cloud communications platform, allowing them to connect with their customers through their preferred channels. Cloud-based technology enables companies to reach employees and customers globally without leaving a carbon footprint, putting them at the forefront of their competition and shedding light on its importance.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
The main idea behind cloud computing is that services are shared across a network, optimizing the resource’s efficiency. For instance, a cloud facility serving your business for California users during Pacific Standard Time business hours can relocate your services to help European users during European business hours. Consequently, cloud services have enhanced efficiencies compared with on-premises data centers and increased the efficiency of IT resources, which benefits the environment.
Using Virtualization
Virtualization benefits your business in terms of cost savings and increased efficiency and can also contribute positively to environmental sustainability through cloud computing. Through virtualization, your organization can create multiple virtual machines (VMs) and run many applications on the same physical server. In doing so, virtualization can replace high-carbon physical devices. Cloud computing reduces waste generated by disposing of obsolete IT equipment because it minimizes the amount of hardware involved. Furthermore, cloud computing can help your enterprise go paperless. For instance, you can use cloud-based document signing software that does not require printing documents whenever you need to sign them.
Reducing Transportation
According to Forbes.com, working four days a week from home would reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions, the primary pollutant of traffic emissions, by approximately 10%. Businesses of all sizes are restructuring their work schedules to accommodate their employees. Using cloud-based solutions reduces the need for commuting to work every day, which would significantly diminish air pollution. Even though digital resources, such as video conferencing, use a significant amount of energy in data centers, Zoom calls emit just 0.6% of a typical commuter’s carbon emissions.
Increasing Renewable Resources
It is now more and more common for cloud data centers to rely on renewable energy sources. Wind and solar power are replacing fossil fuel-based electricity as the power source of cloud data centers. Green energy sources are becoming a more common sustainability solution than fossil fuels. The move to cloud-based centers is driven by saving valuable resources, which promotes profitability. Thanks to technological advancements, cloud centers use less energy than physically located data centers.
Increasingly, innovative companies are investing in green solutions. These innovations will encourage a healthier world and enhance your company’s reputation among many consumers concerned about the environment. Your organization can move towards profitability and sustainability when implementing the cloud, digitizing necessary functions, and lowering overall emissions. Of course, cloud computing is only one of many steps to take, but it is a great place to start.
Hello, My name is Shari & I am a writer for the ‘Outlook AppIns’ blog. I’m a CSIT graduate & I’ve been working in the IT industry for 3 years.