From Green Data Centers to Minimal Waste: Green Practices for a Sustainable Tech Industry

While a source of innovation, technology does have a strain on the environment — data centers alone, for example, devour “about 1-2% of the world’s total electricity,” according to the Climate Change Summit. In addition to significant energy consumption, strains also stem from electronic waste (e-waste), while data collection by tech companies only intensifies the digital footprint. With the environmental impact of the tech industry often in the shadows, there are several unique solutions out there that are actively working towards the determined goal of becoming more sustainable. 

Data management for the better

A Guardian analysis suggests that the “real emissions” from company-owned data centers of major tech companies (specifically Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft) are “probably about 662% — or 7.62 times — higher than officially reported” from 2020 to 2022. When it comes to a more eco-friendly solution, green data centers can serve as a unique solution. One 2024 IBM article by Tasmiha Khan and Michael Goodwin details the value that green data centers can present, with advantages that include “greater energy and resource efficiency, longer infrastructure lifecycles, rescue data center costs and minimize carbon impact.” These eco-friendly data centers implement a variety of green practices in order to achieve such payoff, such as through the use of recycled equipment and renewable energy sources.

Google is just one tech giant that continues to address the environmental impact of their data centers, with one DataCentre Magazine article noting that the company has the ambitious goal to reach 100%, 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE). The 2025 article goes on to note that Google “increased this percentage from 64% to 66%” in regard to both data centers and offices as part of the endeavor. To further explore the eco-friendly efforts that aim to minimize the impact of the company’s digital footprint in relation to data centers, it’s important to note that the company is taking additional actions. This includes promoting a circular economy through the identification of reuse opportunities, maximized recycling efforts, and refurbishing where possible.

How transparency can make a major difference

 Minimizing data collection from the start can also be a major win for companies that want to actively minimize their digital footprint, and it doesn’t have to be an over-complicated endeavor. Simply avoiding over collection by only collecting what is necessary is a great way to go about this, though it’s important to remember that the data lifecycle should be taken into consideration as well. One business.com article by Mark Fairlie highlights the advice of Cisco vice president Harvey Jang, who is also chief privacy officer, who states: “Once the purpose [of the collected data] is met, the data should be deleted or de-identified.” However, data minimization can present further advantages. In addition to keeping a company’s digital footprint to a minimum where possible, minimized data collection and proper data lifecycles can contribute to a safer digital space by lessening a cybercriminal’s access to sensitive data, the article points out.

Transparency is a key way for companies to collect data in a way that proactively informs the consumer and provides a way to opt out of the collection. Apple is just one great example of this via their App Tracking Transparency (ATT), which was introduced back in 2021. This privacy feature provides users with a prompt after downloading and opening an app, in which users can confirm or deny whether they’d like their activity to be tracked across apps and websites (for the purpose of marketing). By asking the app not to track, users have more control over their data, and companies can limit the amount of data they collect through those who opt-out.

Less waste through systematic practices

Electronic waste (e-waste) is another major concern in the tech industry, from the computers and devices used by tech companies to consumer technology. The World Health Organization (WHO) points out the prevalence of e-waste, noting that it’s estimated that 62 million tons were produced on a worldwide scale in 2022 alone. Green practices like proper recycling can go a long way in the proper disposal of e-waste, which can help minimize negative environmental impacts. However, one of the biggest ways that tech companies can make a difference is through the prevention or minimization of e-waste right from the start. 

Tech giants have long been innovating in order to minimize waste. Apple, for instance, uses recycled materials in their products. Other endeavors can further eco-friendly efforts, and can start in as simple ways as in the workplace of tech companies both big and small. Pioneering the use of devices that are meant to last can be a great way to do this, both in regard to consumer devices as well as the tech that employees use in the workplace. In addition to refurbished or recycled tech when and where possible, framework devices (such as those that feature a modular design) can be a great initiative to combat e-waste, as these devices enable users to upgrade and switch out components as needed — rather than replace the entire device.

Tech companies can further make headway in their eco-endeavors through straightforward approaches in areas like elevated warehouse operations, which can help minimize e-waste through sustainable equipment practices. This can help efficiently minimize e-waste before a piece of equipment becomes unusable or obsolete, as it will help get the most out of a piece of tech while keeping it fully operational along the way. Successful and systematic laptop inventory management, for instance, will promote sustainable operations through routine warehousing methods such as device tracking and even inventory control. While such areas of concern don’t seem like obvious avenues for sustainable changes, device management can be the catalyst for efficient management of an organization’s tech. This can be particularly beneficial for company-issued laptops, as these can create negative environmental consequences when not managed properly — for instance, a confusing laptop return process can lead to time-consuming delays, and a lack of maintenance can result in improperly functioning equipment. Through proper equipment management and inventory tracking, a tech company can make a seemingly small process part of their overarching environmental endeavors.

While innovative, the tech industry has become a cumbersome strain on the environment in various ways from areas like data management to e-waste. Through innovative solutions like green data centers and recycled materials, even simple measures like efficient warehousing can make a remarkable impact.