Using smartphones, utilizing the cloud, searching for what we need on a search engine are actions that have become part of our daily lives, so much so that we may not realize the role of technology today and how much influence it has on our lives.
That’s why talking about digital sustainability today – a topic less discussed compared to environmental sustainability – is important for everyone, but especially for companies that can play a significant role in promoting positive change.
Let’s see why it’s important, outline the goals to be achieved, and identify the actions that companies and public entities can take to promote digital sustainability, regardless of the sector they operate in.
What Is Digital Sustainability
To understand what digital sustainability is, let’s borrow a definition coined by Stefano Epifani, a professor of Internet Studies at the University of La Sapienza in Rome, president of the Foundation for Digital Sustainability, and author of the book “Digital Sustainability – Why Sustainability Cannot Do Without Digital Transformation.”.
According to Epifani, digital sustainability refers to “sustainability that defines the ways in which digital technology should develop to contribute to the creation of a better world, both in terms of its nature and its instrumental role in the environment, economy, and society.”
In a time when interest in Artificial Intelligence is increasingly widespread, and technologies that enable the automation of certain processes are becoming more common, it becomes even more crucial to take the time to reflect on the direction we want to take and the impacts that the adoption of such technologies can have.
It’s not just the use of the medium itself that influences the construction of a sustainable future, but rather how we decide to use it. In this perspective, companies play a fundamental role not only in their respective industries but also for all the people involved: employees, collaborators, customers, stakeholders, users, and so on.
Digital Sustainability Goals
The main goal of digital sustainability is to promote responsible and conscious use of technologies among all people, regardless of their profession.
Using digital tools without fully understanding their implications can have negative consequences on the environment. Therefore, companies must adopt a responsible approach, paying attention to the concept of “digital footprint” and the trace they leave online.
Although technologies help us manage complexity, it is essential to consider the long-term impact on the environment if we are not aware of their consequences.
Taking the time to reflect can influence how we shape our relationship with technology and allow us to adopt a more conscious and sustainable perspective.
IThe Advantages of Digital Sustainability for Companies
Today, people are increasingly aware of the impact their actions can have on the environment and society, both when using a product and accessing a service.
This was confirmed by the #WhoCaresWhoDoes survey conducted by GfK in 2020: 36% of Italian families stated that they had stopped buying products or services due to their negative impact. Consumers are increasingly convinced that their purchasing behaviors can have a positive impact on the environment and society.
In light of this, it is evident that the commitment to environmental and digital sustainability also has a return in terms of image and corporate reputation. Companies that pay attention to these aspects achieve better results than competitors in terms of customer acquisition and brand loyalty, as well as attracting potential customers. Moreover, they demonstrate that they are putting their values into practice, generating authentic brand storytelling on social media and their communication channels.
Implementing a digital sustainability journey like the one proposed by Karma Metrix can undoubtedly help in this regard.
This has several advantages, including:
- Reducing website emissions by over 35%.
- Being 100% compatible with carbon neutrality goals.
- Reporting the sustainability balance and improving ESG ratings.
- Reducing cloud costs by 10%.
- Reaching prospects through wider media coverage.
- Inspiring the market and becoming the reference point for digital sustainability
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Companies and digital sustainability: two case studies
Focusing on digital sustainability is, therefore, essential, and more and more companies and public entities are choosing to give a different imprint to their ecological transition.
This is the case of Regione Lombardia, the first public entity to have integrated digital sustainability into its online communication by relying on Karma Metrix.
But not only public entities, even fashion houses are looking towards digital sustainability. Like Valentino, which was the first luxury brand to embark on a journey to reduce the CO2 emissions of its website with Karma Metrix.
Moving towards a more sustainable world, making the most of technology, and seeking to consider the effects of what we do online is increasingly necessary for everyone. And companies, in this sense, can and “must” make a significant contribution.
Are you ready to act?
Feel free to contact us without any commitment. We will explain how you can also join the companies that have already chosen to embark on a digital sustainability journey.
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