(Re-Print) Companies need to invest in energy-efficient infrastructure and optimize data practices, says Ian Clatworthy, director of data platform product marketing at Hitachi Vantara
Posting just a six-second video on social media uses the same amount of power as boiling 22 gallons of water.
By MIT Technology Review Insights
October 18, 2023
Posting just a six-second video on social media uses the same amount of power as boiling 22 gallons of water. This staggering statistic encapsulates just how intertwined data management is with sustainability. And as companies look to become data-driven and to gain insights from vast data streams, it’s also crucial to keep an eye on the environmental cost of those efforts.
The road toward decarbonization is daunting, especially while trying to keep pace with innovation. According to the director of data platform product marketing at Hitachi Vantara, Ian Clatworthy, companies need to take their own initiative when it comes to sustainability measures and just start somewhere.
“When we look at integrating the carbonization goals into budgets, the agenda is crucial. Start where you can actually have some impact,” says Clatworthy.
Making data hardware and infrastructure more sustainable begins with understanding the value of what you’re storing, Clatworthy says. From there, companies can invest in the most data and energy-efficient servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.
“Look at data flows, adopt energy-efficient technologies, and that’s going to really align your data processing capabilities with those goals,” says Clatworthy.
Although many companies have made strict commitments to become emissions-free internally and within their own operations, decarbonization entirely throughout a supply chain is exceedingly challenging.
https://executive.mit.edu/course/strategies-for-sustainable-business/a056g00000URaZPAA1.html
Clatworthy says that it comes down to transparency. A company can be cognizant of the emissions released in its own operations but down the supply chain to an outside manufacturer or supplier, it may not be as forthcoming about the scope of its footprint.
Data storage technology is always evolving, but the technology needs to be right for your company, he says. The shiniest or newest tool may be faster or more efficient but it’s important to keep in mind its energy consumption and the impact on emissions.
“You need to adopt a multifaceted approach that combines energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy sourcing, optimize the data management practices, but commit to that transparency and sustainability reporting,” says Clatworthy. “The environmental concerns will continue to grow, and these trends will play a critical role in shaping the future of data management.”
PACE TULSA 