One of the Key Elements in the Journey Towards Net Zero is a Focused Intent

Biju Unni, the Vice President at Cloud Box Technologies, speaks about the role technology plays in sustainability

How does technology contribute to sustainability?
Technology is not always perceived as a positive contributor to sustainability. However, in the ever-changing world, there has been a tangible evolution of technology working as an enabler in the journey towards the Net Zero objective. There are various instances across the world wherein tech firms are working with manufacturers toward lowering emissions. Electric vehicles come foremost to mind as a tangible example. Research on fuel shifts, CCUS, and so on, are prime examples of technology picking up the mantle.

What sort of sustainability efforts does your company practice? Examples: minimal/recyclable packaging, use of recycled material for devices, green energy, low energy consumption, digital products and services, and so on?
At Cloud Box Technologies we utilize recycled material for devices as the first priority for internal use, energy efficient lighting is the norm via LEDs and CFL as well as controlled cooling. Internally, we also encourage car shares and in general urge our employees to travel smart. And, we keep the use of paper to a bare minimum. The Net Zero journey is a work in progress, and we are constantly on the lookout for improving our green credentials.

Do we need to look at sustainability beyond the use of “green energy”?
Attainment of complete green energy most definitely would go a long way in achieving zero emissions. However, there are other sources of clean energy like neutrino energy, hydrogen-powered energy, and so on, widely discussed and studied as potential sources for a clean and net zero planet.

How can companies reduce their carbon footprint? Are there local or regional initiatives that encourage companies to adopt best practices?
Companies who are green-conscious to a large extent follow the set templates for reducing their carbon footprint – similar to what we at Cloud Box Technologies do. In the UAE, the government has promoted various initiatives even to the extent of excluding non-green companies from participating in important tenders. This has spurred a lot of organization to wake up and start becoming more conscious about the environment. There are various government initiatives that aim at making citizens and residents aware of the importance of being green. Sustainability as a textbook subject is included in the curriculum of most UAE universities as a part of their catch them the young initiative.

What challenges do companies face today in their journey toward net zero and how can technology help solve those issues?
There are multifold challenges that companies and even countries face on their journey to zero-emission standards. The most obvious one is the dynamic nature of the world we live in, the uncontrolled expansions, population growth, and technological changes, are not adopting green standards fast enough, while electric vehicles are still expensive and the charging points infrequent. High cost is often cited as another reason.

What factors can help companies advance toward their sustainability goals?
The most important elements for jump-starting your journey toward Net Zero is a focused intent and a no holds barred buy-in. These two elements will ensure continued investment in zero-emission technology and practices. Smarter thinking along with civic responsibility can become a good advert for organizations and be a positive driver. There are also global initiatives like the Net zero tracker wherein companies commit to lower their carbon emissions and be Net zero inside a definite timeline.

These are acquiring traction among midlevel companies too and soon will gain momentum of their own. Similarly, the government is acknowledging companies that have tangible green initiatives and restricting participation in government projects to green companies. This has prompted more organizations to embrace green processes wholeheartedly and even be quite vocal about it.