How Technology is Transforming the Circular Economy

When it comes to expanding the circular economy, the IT industry is one of the effort's greatest enablers -- especially when technology provides scalable solutions that drive real value. In fact, global sustainability experts have identified seven distinct types of digital technology that already do or soon will play a critical role in implementing and furthering thousands of circularity initiatives: digital access, cloud, cognitive, blockchain, fast internet, IoT and digital reality. However, the computing power that drives these technologies can use an enormous amount of resources -- from electricity to power equipment and water for cooling facilities to physical materials and manufacturing impacts. To take leadership and develop credibility as a circular solution, IT-based businesses need to apply their expertise towards developing solutions that not only help other circularity initiatives in other industries, but also "clean their own house." Cloud technology holds perhaps the greatest potential for promoting sustainability within the IT industry itself.