The benefits of information and communications technology (ICT) that have accrued to businesses, governments, and individuals over the past couple of decades are undeniable. The productivity, cost, and time-saving benefits of cloud computing over the past decade, and artificial intelligence (AI) over the past two years have been particularly transformative. Yet, the power consumption required and the emissions that will be generated to further advance and scale these technologies raise cost versus benefit questions. An industry and society-wide consensus is forming that the current methods used for technology development and operation are unsustainable.

Recognising the need to reduce the carbon footprint of the technology that it uses and produces, NCS has taken steps to ‘green’ its processes and policies across multiple domains. We’ve put together several papers that review the challenges that must be overcome to achieve future sustainability, the steps we are taking at NCS, and the recommendations we have for organisations that share our desire to limit the environmental impact of the critical technologies that we all depend on.