Green And Connected – IoT For Sustainability
How IoT is Powering a More Sustainable Future
Our planet is in crisis, and it’s up to all of us to do something about it. But where do we even start? Well, as an IoT enthusiast, I believe the answer lies in the very technology I’m passionate about – the Internet of Things (IoT).
You see, IoT has this incredible superpower when it comes to sustainability. It’s like a digital superhero, able to monitor, measure, and optimize all sorts of systems to reduce their environmental impact. And the best part? The ROI isn’t just about saving the planet – it’s also about saving our bottom lines.
Let me take you on a journey back in time to understand how we got here. Remember when the phrase “data is the new oil” was all the rage? That was the era of Big Data 1.0, where the explosion of web and app data had data architects scrambling to keep up. But then came the rise of the Internet of Things – Big Data 2.0, if you will. [1]
Suddenly, our homes, our factories, our entire infrastructure were talking to the cloud, generating mountains of data. And that data, my friends, is the key to unlocking a more sustainable future.
Think about a simple example – a “smart” office building with sensors that detect occupancy and automatically turn the lights on and off. [1] The “tangible ROI” is easy to see – reduced electricity bills. But the “intangible ROI” is where the real magic happens.
By combining that lighting data with meeting room schedules, we can identify “ghost meetings” – empty rooms where the lights are still on. Armed with that knowledge, we can optimize our office space, potentially even moving to a smaller, more efficient footprint. That’s a double whammy of savings – lower electricity costs and lower rent. [1]
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. IoT is powering sustainability solutions across industries – from predictive maintenance on water pipes to reduce leaks, to asset tracking that optimizes delivery routes and cuts fuel consumption. [1,6] It’s like IoT is this secret superhero, quietly saving the planet while also boosting the bottom line.
But here’s the thing – the true power of IoT for sustainability lies in what I call the “intangible ROI.” [1] It’s not just about the direct cost savings, but about the broader environmental and social impact. When we use IoT to reduce energy use, cut waste, and lower emissions, we’re contributing to global sustainability goals that benefit all of us.
It’s like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, but for businesses. The base level is the tangible ROI – the cold, hard numbers that any CFO can get excited about. But as we move up the hierarchy, we start to see the intangible benefits – the self-actualization, if you will, of contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. [1]
And the beauty of it is, once you start looking at it this way, you can’t unsee the opportunities. That retail solution that saves money by reducing ingredient spoilage? It’s also cutting food waste. [1] The asset tracking system that optimizes delivery routes? It’s lowering fuel consumption and emissions. [1,6] The predictive maintenance on pipelines? That’s reducing water waste (or oil spills, depending on the application). [1]
It’s like a sustainability superpower, hidden in plain sight the whole time. And as IoT professionals, we have the opportunity – nay, the responsibility – to unleash this power. [1,5]
So, I challenge you – take a look at the IoT solutions you’ve worked on, or the ones you’re planning to build. Peel back the layers and see the sustainability ROI that’s lurking beneath the surface. Bring that conversation into your design sessions and business model workshops. [1] Be the sustainability advocate, the one who helps your clients see the bigger picture.
Because the truth is, sustainability isn’t just a vertical or a horizontal – it’s a diagonal. It touches every aspect of our lives and our industries. [1] And if we don’t start weaving it into all of our solutions, it’s going to impact us in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
But here’s the good news – we have the tools to make a difference. Microsoft has just launched the Azure IoT for Sustainability website, and they’re inviting us all to join the journey. [1] Together, we can harness the power of IoT to create a greener, more connected future.
So, what are you waiting for? The planet needs our help, and IoT is the superhero we’ve been waiting for. Let’s get to work, my friends, and show the world what a little bit of digital magic can do for the greater good.
References:
[1] Microsoft. “IoT Driving Sustainability and a New Green ROI”. Microsoft Tech Community, 2021. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/green-tech-blog/iot-driving-sustainability-and-a-new-green-roi/ba-p/2147912
[2] Digi International. “Green Tech Innovation: IoT Supports Sustainability”. Digi.com, 2022. https://www.digi.com/blog/post/green-tech-innovation-iot-supports-sustainability
[3] IoT Marketing. “Green IoT for Sustainability and Efficiency Webinar”. IoTMktg.com, 2022. https://iotmktg.com/green-iot-for-sustainability-and-efficiency-2021-webinar/
[4] Spiliopoulos, Nicos. “The Future of Work in Industrial During the Digital & Green Revolution”. LinkedIn, 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-work-industrial-during-digital-green-spiliopoulos-iot
[5] CheckPoint Software. “The Green Revolution: How IoT is Driving Sustainability”. CheckPoint Community, 2021. https://community.checkpoint.com/t5/IoT-Protect/The-Green-Revolution-How-IoT-is-Driving-Sustainability/td-p/199979
[6] SCMGlobe. “IoT Enabling Sustainable Shipping and Warehousing”. SCMGlobe.com, 2022. https://www.scmglobe.com/iot-enabling-sustainable-shipping-and-warehousing/
[7] IEEE. “Sensing for Sustainability: The Role of IoT”. IEEE Xplore, 2020. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9197796
[8] Plex. “IoT Insider: Smart Manufacturing, AI and Sustainability – Tracy Green Reveals How THAI”. Plex.com, 2021. https://www.plex.com/company/newsroom/iot-insider-smart-manufacturing-ai-and-sustainability-tracy-green-reveals-how-thai
