EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
MARK EVANS , CIO , SMS
It ’ s our responsibility to ensure sustainability is part of our architecture and is considered right throughout the supply chain .
Companies are increasingly being held more accountable for their ESG credentials which filters down into everything – even talent attraction involves being able to demonstrate the organisation ’ s ESG credentials . Beyond it being good business practice , it is vital that we consider how our business activities impact the world around us . who are typically expected to drive the innovation and identify how new technologies can be applied for business value and advantage while improving overall sustainability . Thus , involving doing the obvious things like relying on renewable energy sources , choosing energy efficient options , through to practical steps such as repurposing tech equipment or effectively recycling it at the end of its useful ‘ corporate life ’.
However , it goes beyond this , as it ’ s our responsibility to ensure sustainability is part of our architecture and is considered right throughout the supply chain . Technology and digital has already had a massive impact in helping organisations become more sustainable , but clearly there is more we need to do .
CIOs often drive the transformation agenda , or at the very least , are the role holders in an organisation
One thing which we need to do more of is looking at the application of innovative technology and data solutions to ensure optimum route planning for field-based teams while minimising the emissions produced . Digital also provides the means for productivity and collaboration in a distributed workforce , reducing the need for the daily commute and opening flexible ways of working which in turn , reduces carbon emissions .
Finally , the CIO plays a key role in ensuring the organisation has the platforms and the data it needs to measure how sustainably it is operating while evidencing progress against the organisation ’ s sustainability plans .
This is a significant undertaking and involves measuring and understanding a rich mixture of data sources , across business data , financial data and employee data which needs to be distilled down to something understandable to engage and inspire the organisation on its sustainability journey . It also potentially embraces new business functions such as carbon accounting , all of which needs to be supported by the right data and technology platforms and organisational capability .
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