The digital age’s insatiable demand for computing power has collided with an urgent and pressing need for sustainability. As data centers and AI workloads consume unprecedented amounts of energy, IT providers are pivotal in redefining how technology intersects with environmental stewardship. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. From optimizing algorithms to reimagining infrastructure, the path to energy-efficient computing is both a technical challenge and a strategic imperative—especially in many emerging markets, where energy constraints and sustainability goals converge.

The environmental cost of legacy systems

Traditional computing infrastructure presents a significant environmental challenge. Data centers, the backbone of the digital economy, consume an estimated 1–1.3% of global electricity, a figure projected to double by 2026 as AI adoption accelerates and more businesses move their data and operations to the cloud. This substantial energy consumption contributes significantly to carbon emissions, often relying heavily on fossil fuels to power these facilities. The carbon footprint of data centers is now comparable to that of the aviation industry, raising concerns about their impact on climate change. Furthermore, these facilities often rely on extensive cooling systems to prevent overheating, which consumes vast amounts of water and contributes to potential water pollution. Aging hardware also contributes to the problem of generating electronic waste (e-waste)—a growing concern globally, particularly in regions like South Africa and other developing regions, where improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination and ecosystem damage. Legacy systems, therefore, present a multifaceted environmental challenge that demands innovative solutions.

Rising energy demands meet more innovative solutions.

The exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) further intensifies the strain on energy resources. Training a single, large machine learning model can emit as much CO₂ as five cars produce over their lifetimes. This highlights the substantial energy requirements of developing and deploying complex AI algorithms. However, the good news is that AI itself offers a potential path toward more sustainable computing. Energy-efficient techniques, such as model pruning (trimming redundant neural networks to reduce computational complexity) and quantization (reducing the precision of data used in calculations), can slash computational demands by up to 50% without significantly sacrificing accuracy. IT providers are increasingly deploying these and other innovative strategies to help their clients strike a balance between the ever-growing demand for performance and the critical need for sustainability. They are helping businesses optimize their AI workloads to minimize energy consumption while achieving their desired outcomes, offering a beacon of hope in the quest for sustainable computing.

Three levers for sustainable transformation

To drive meaningful change, IT providers are focusing on three key areas:

– Architecting Green Infrastructure

Transitioning to renewable energy sources is no longer a choice but a necessity. Forward-thinking IT providers are partnering with data centers powered by solar, wind, or other renewable energy sources, drastically reducing their Scope 2 emissions. Scope 2 emissions refer to indirect emissions resulting from the purchase of electricity, and by reducing these, companies can significantly lower their overall carbon footprint. Virtualization, a technique that allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, also reduces hardware needs. By consolidating workloads onto fewer physical machines, organizations can lower energy consumption, reduce cooling costs, and minimize their overall environmental footprint by as much as 70%. In where load-shedding and grid instability are persistent challenges, hybrid solutions that combine renewable energy sources with battery storage are gaining significant traction, providing a reliable and sustainable power supply for critical computing infrastructure.

 – Optimising AI for efficiency

Beyond implementing algorithmic tweaks, IT providers are actively redesigning AI workflows to maximize energy efficiency. For example, a financial institution successfully reduced the energy consumption of its fraud-detection model by an impressive 40% by employing knowledge distillation. Knowledge distillation is a technique that involves training a lightweight “student” model to replicate the behavior of a larger, more complex model. This approach aligns with broader global trends, where sparse AI models that prioritize critical data points demonstrate the potential to reduce training energy consumption by as much as 30%. By optimizing AI algorithms and workflows, IT providers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of AI-driven applications.

 – Circular IT Practices

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing global problem, with a significant portion estimated to end up in landfills, contributing substantially to toxic waste. To combat this challenge, IT providers are implementing circular IT practices, such as hardware refurbishment programs and modular server designs, which extend the lifespan of equipment and reduce the need for frequent replacements. In Cape Town, for example, a tech startup is now repurposing decommissioned Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) from cryptocurrency mining operations for AI training. This innovative approach not only diverts e-waste from landfills but also provides a cost-effective solution for AI developers. By embracing circular IT practices, IT providers can minimize waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable digital ecosystem, underscoring the necessity of these practices.

Navigating legal and market pressures

Regulatory pressures are increasing globally, pushing organizations to adopt more sustainable practices. For instance, South Africa’s draft Climate Change Bill mandates emission reporting for large enterprises, creating a strong incentive for businesses to seek out IT partners that prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance. At the same time, consumers are increasingly favoring brands with verifiable green credentials, creating market demand for sustainable products and services. IT providers offering carbon tracking integrated into their cloud platforms, enabling clients to monitor their emissions in real-time, are gaining a significant competitive advantage. By helping their clients meet regulatory requirements and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, IT providers are positioning themselves as essential partners in the transition to a more sustainable digital economy.

The future of computing depends on finding a sustainable balance between innovation and environmental responsibility. For IT providers, this means embedding sustainability into every aspect of their service delivery model, from advocating for open-source energy-efficient frameworks to designing AI-as-a-service platforms powered by renewable energy. In countries where energy poverty and digital transformation coexist, these strategies are not simply ethical considerations but also pressing economic imperatives. By proactively marrying cutting-edge computing technologies with circular economy principles, IT providers can transform sustainability from a perceived cost center into a powerful catalyst for growth and long-term value creation. The industry has a vital role in ensuring a sustainable and equitable digital future for all.

Vishal Barapatre – CTO