Sustainability and Digitalization, hand in hand

As you may have heard, sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this way, a balance is sought between economic, social and environmental needs to ensure a viable and sustainable future for the planet and its inhabitants. On the other hand, digitisation refers to the process of converting analogue information into a digital format, i.e. a binary code that can be processed by computers and other electronic devices.

Transferring this concept to the industrial sector, it refers to the digital transformation of business processes, products and services through the incorporation of digital technologies and communication and collaboration tools into the daily operations of the company. This can include the implementation of business management systems, data analytics software, e-commerce platforms, digital marketing tools and other technological resources that increase efficiency, reduce costs and provide a better customer experience.

It can also involve restructuring work teams to encourage collaboration and innovation, and introducing new ways of working such as Agile or Design Thinking. In summary, sustainable digitalisation could be defined as the use of digital technologies to reduce the environmental impact of industrial and business processes while maintaining a sustainable economy and growth.

Practices for sustainable digitalisation

Environmental impact assessment: Before introducing a digital technology, it is important to conduct an environmental impact assessment of the technology. This identifies the critical points in the processes that have the greatest impact on the environment and looks for sustainable solutions to eliminate them.

Responsible use of natural resources: This includes responsible use of water, reducing paper consumption and promoting recycling.

Use of energy-efficient technologies: It is important to look for technologies that use less energy and are more efficient in performance.

Responsible waste management: Developing sustainable solutions for the disposal of all types of waste or reducing the amount of waste.

Implementing the circular economy: This includes developing products with recycled materials that can also be recycled.

Staff training and awareness: Improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of industrial and commercial processes.

Sustainable innovation: This means developing products and services that are more sustainable and reduce the environmental footprint, and using recycled and recyclable materials and more sustainable processes.

Transparency and accountability: Companies must commit to being transparent about their practices and report regularly on their sustainability performance.

Benefits for both parties: company and environment

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: By optimizing industrial processes and managing energy efficiently, you help meet emissions reduction targets and support the fight against climate change.

Energy and cost savings: By optimizing processes and reducing e-waste, companies can reduce their energy consumption. This can lead to significant savings in energy costs and waste disposal costs.

Improved efficiency and productivity: It helps companies improve the efficiency and productivity of their processes, which can lead to greater profitability and competitiveness in the market. Digitization enables us to reduce our paper consumption.

Improved corporate image: as a responsible company committed to environmental sustainability. This will have a positive impact on the company’s reputation and on how it is perceived by consumers and stakeholders.

A business commitment

The use of technology in corporate production, applied to different areas of management and production, can address environmental, social and governance issues.

More and more companies are becoming aware or are being forced – by legislation or consumer social pressure – to take action to reduce their environmental footprint by using energy, water and paper more moderately and by promoting the use of sustainable energy sources.

Measuring the waste and emissions they produce is the first step in setting targets. For example, Randstad, a leading human resources company, has set a goal of achieving net zero by 2050 by reducing emissions generated by its operations and restoring them with the environment through corrective action.

By 2030, the company has committed to accelerate its decarbonisation efforts and has set a target to reduce CO2 emissions in areas 1 and 2 by 50% and CO2 emissions in area 3 by 30%, both by 2019.