Our task as business owners of the technology sector is to ensure that our structures are prepared to handle the changes we want to see in our environments. Sustainable technology is not only about providing our customers with apps, software, and marketplaces that help them become more sustainable but it also enriches our organizations and external environments. The structures and processes that leaders implement to encourage and support sustainable thinking in an organization are important.
Sustainable thinking is not a new concept, so the question is why does it keep trending? Yesterday it was a trend in the industrial industry, today it is a trend in the technology industry and who knows which industry it will trend in the future? There is so much value in sustainable thinking and actions yet as leaders we continually tend to deviate to quick successes. The total value of all electronic waste alone was valued at US$57 billion in 2019. This mammoth figure surpassed the GDP of most countries.[1] This is only electronic waste and yet the value surpassed the GDP of most countries. If we continually operate this way then we will miss out on opportunities to create long-term value for our organizations and societies. Imagine how much we could improve our competitiveness and profitability if we leveraged more sustainable technologies and innovations. The time to act is now. Sustainability is not a trend that comes and goes. It is a reality that shapes our present and our future. It is an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss. As leaders, we have to think and act sustainably in everything we do. We have to lead by example and inspire others to follow. We have to create a culture of sustainability in our organizations and in our societies. We have to make sustainability our competitive advantage and our legacy.
Living plants are used to generate electricity at Plant-e, a young Dutch company. Electricity produced by this method is not only environmentally friendly but it can be widely used worldwide. An individual planter with Plant-e is capable of producing 600 millivolts. There are several pilot schemes trying out the technology and it is to be implemented in rice paddies. This technology is being tested in rice paddies as part of several pilot projects. Consequently, food is grown, electricity is generated, and methane emissions are avoided. The company's products are designed in modular systems, and it is developing a way to apply the technology in existing wetlands by placing tubes beneath the soil's surface in plants' root zones. It's bringing nature into technology through the modular system, and it's bringing technology into nature through the tubes. Providing multiple shapes and sizes of Plant-e modular systems ensures that there is always a suitable system for every application.[2]
Businesses that create a culture of sustainability are positioning themselves for success and leadership in their industry. A culture of sustainability means that every aspect of a business is aligned with the principles and practices of environmental and social responsibility. It means that every employee, from the top to the bottom, is aware of and committed to the sustainability goals and values of the organization. It means that every decision, action, and outcome is evaluated and measured against the sustainability criteria and standards of the organization. And it means that every stakeholder, from customers to suppliers to regulators to investors, is engaged and informed about the sustainability performance and impact of the organization. Creating a culture of sustainability will give your organization a competitive edge in many ways. It will help you to reduce your operational costs by saving energy, water, and materials. It will help you to increase your customer loyalty and satisfaction by offering products and services that are eco-friendly and socially beneficial. It will help you to attract and retain the best talent by providing a work environment that is inspiring and rewarding. It will help you to comply with the ever-changing laws and regulations that govern your industry and market. And it will help you to contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change and improve the quality of life for everyone. Creating a culture of sustainability is not easy or quick. It requires vision, leadership, collaboration, and innovation. But it is worth it. It will make your organization more resilient, adaptable, and successful in the long run. It will make your organization a force for good in the world.
As business owners, we have a responsibility to keep the spark of sustainability alive in our organizations. We have to listen to our employees who know the ins and outs of our operations and can identify the areas where we can reduce waste and improve efficiency. We have to create a dedicated sustainable division that can support and implement the ideas and innovations that come from within. We have to make sure that everyone knows where to find this division and how to collaborate with it. And most importantly, we have to recognize and celebrate the positive impacts that a sustainable culture can have on our bottom line and our planet. Sustainability is not just a buzzword or a trend. It is a mindset and a way of doing business that can make us more competitive, resilient, and responsible. Let’s embrace it and make it part of our organizational DNA.
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