Global technology service provider Logicalis has highlighted sustainability as a paramount concern for tech leaders in 2024. According to the company’s tenth annual CIO Report, which surveyed over 1,000 Chief Information Officers (CIOs) worldwide, an impressive 92% of CIOs are prioritizing investments in sustainability initiatives and technologies this year.
Amidst global economic uncertainties, the dedication to sustainability among CIOs remains steadfast. The report underscores the integral role that CIOs play in their organizations’ sustainability strategies. A striking 96% of tech leaders reported involvement in their company’s sustainability planning and target setting. Furthermore, 93% of respondents believe that IT is crucial to achieving their organization’s environmental goals. Additionally, 90% of CIOs indicated that they evaluate the sustainability credentials of new suppliers before engaging with them.
Sustainability is increasingly recognized as a necessary investment by businesses, offering environmental benefits while reducing energy consumption and operational costs. However, challenges persist. A significant 93% of CIOs identified hurdles in meeting their environmental objectives, with 43% citing the difficulty of collecting data scattered across their organization. A similar proportion expressed doubts about their organization’s ability to track the performance of its digital estate against environmental targets.
Translating to Lower Costs
“Investing in sustainability is not only the right thing to do, it’s a commercial imperative for business,” said Logicalis CEO Bob Bailkoski.At the Logicalis Global CIO Summit in London, CEO Bob Bailkoski reflected on these findings. “Investing in sustainability is not only the right thing to do, it’s a commercial imperative for business. We know that reducing carbon and energy consumption translates to lower costs, and with increasingly stringent carbon reporting regulations, prioritizing sustainability now will benefit CIOs in the long run.”
Mr. Bailkoski emphasized Logicalis’ commitment to carbon accountability, stating, “We’re working closely with our partners to ensure accountability in the outcomes we deliver through technology. Tools like our Digital Fabric Platform empower customers to better manage the carbon performance of their IT estate.”
Toby Alcock, Chief Technology Officer at Logicalis, noted the pressures CIOs face in balancing innovation, costs, and carbon reduction. “CIOs globally continue to face pressure to prioritize innovation while balancing costs and decreasing carbon output. However, these priorities do not have to be at odds. With access to robust data, CIOs can identify both short-term and long-term environmental and financial gains. Moreover, they are well-positioned to attract new customers who prioritize sustainability.”
Mr. Alcock also highlighted the strategic role of IT in sustainability initiatives. “The involvement of IT in sustainability at a strategic level ensures that any initiatives have the necessary infrastructure and support to succeed.”
