As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, the environmental impact of IT systems is receiving more scrutiny. From the significant energy consumption of data centres to the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste), IT is contributing to global carbon emissions and resource depletion. Sustainable IT, also known as Green IT, refers to practices that reduce the environmental footprint of IT operations while maintaining performance, security, and reliability.
Sustainable IT is about aligning IT practices with sustainability principles, specifically the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework—people, planet, and profit. This approach emphasises reducing the ecological impact of IT while maximising social and economic benefits. It involves rethinking how organisations design, manage, and dispose of IT assets throughout their lifecycle in a more environmentally friendly way.
As businesses across the globe focus on improving their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, Sustainable IT is becoming a vital part of corporate sustainability strategies. This document explores the concept of Sustainable IT, the key elements driving its adoption, and the challenges organisations face in implementing it. We will also examine how AI plays a dual role in both advancing and complicating Sustainable IT efforts. 
