5G Could Drive Sustainability in Cloud Computing

The integration of 5G technology is transforming industries and driving sustainability in cloud computing, with experts predicting a potential 20% reduction in global emissions by 2030 through energy efficient strategies and applications.

The message of digital tools changing climate change reverberates all the more loudly when collaboration between industry leaders such as Faith Taylor at Kyndryl and Blessing Makumbe at Ericsson drives the message home. Cloud computing and sustainability technologies drive efficiency but also point toward the power of innovation in meeting environmental goals.

According to Faith Taylor, SVP Sustainability, ESG & Impact Officer at Kyndryl, and Blessing Makumbe, VP of Cloud Software & Services at Ericsson UK & Ireland, these technologies hold immense potential to reduce global emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Cloud’s Cutting Carbon Emissions and Green 5G Networks

Cloud computing delivers a scalable, energy-efficient alternative to traditional hardware-heavy infrastructures. Companies moving from on-premises hardware to cloud services can reduce carbon emissions by up to 96%, according to Taylor.

Also, the invention of cloud-native software reduces hardware needs; similarly, “micro-sleeps” when equipment is on but not working, on-premises power efficiency. New developments such as sustainability in cloud computing add to clean energy use from data centers and further illustrate the key role cloud technology plays in achieving all environmental goals.

In the case of private 5G and sustainability, this will become especially beneficial in large facilities, increasing connectivity while decreasing reliance on hardware and further increasing sustainability. Makumbe refers to the moves of Ericsson toward making 5G more energy-efficient, mentioning new radio solutions that are 40% more energy-efficient and trials in London that recorded a 43% drop in power usage.

Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Of course, scaling these sustainable cloud solutions technologies, with great benefits, has its drawbacks-mostly in terms of energy demand. According to the International Energy Agency, data center, AI, and crypto will double their consumption of electricity between 2024 and 2026. This should be offset by investing more in energy-efficient infrastructure, low-powered chipsets, and renewable sources of energy.

Faith Taylor reinforces this by emphasizing the need to bring sustainability into technology adoption. “Organizations must de-link carbon emissions from growth objectives,” she says. Cooperation between the head of IT, head of finance, and head of sustainability will be required for balance to be achieved.

As 5G and cloud computing sustainability use continue to ramp up, combining innovation with eco-sensitive strategies will ensure those technologies drive progress in support of, not detriment to, the planet.

Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.