How technology can help build a more sustainable future

As the need to protect our planet grows more urgent, technology offers powerful tools to help drive real change – if we use them wisely. Deloitte New Zealand Sustainability and Climate partner, Louise Aitken, shares how technology is shaping a greener future for Deloitte and its clients.

What role do you see sustainable technology playing in the future of your sector?

Sustainable technology is critical in navigating New Zealand’s climate and nature crisis. Seamlessly integrated into our daily lives and transforming our supply chains, it enables critical sectors such as agriculture to swiftly respond to climate events, while also minimising their environmental footprint through informed decision-making.

However, it's important such technology doesn’t exacerbate the very problems it aims to solve. Its environmental footprint must be carefully managed.

This dual nature is evident in AI's rising role. While AI is essential for sustainable progress, such as strengthening resilience to severe weather events, it is also power hungry and water thirsty. Globally, data centres are on track to consume 4% of the world's electricity by 2026. Their water consumption, mainly used to cool servers, is also substantial. The global AI demand in 2027 is projected to account for 4.2–6.6 trillion litres of water —more than the annual water usage of Denmark.

There’s also a growing demand locally for data centres. By creating and deploying innovative and sustainable solutions, New Zealand could be a leader in advancing “Green AI”, reducing AI’s environmental footprint by adopting leading practices across the entire value chain.

You can read more about the opportunities for tech companies to mitigate these risks here.

How can we better use technology to enhance our sustainability efforts at Deloitte and with our clients?

According to World Economic Forum estimates, digital technologies could cut emissions by up to 20% by 2050 in key sectors such as energy, materials, and mobility.

Deloitte strategically leverages digital technologies to enhance sustainability across both internal operations and its client advisory services, acknowledging the potential to significantly reduce emissions.

Deloitte uses its in-house carbon calculator to reduce its own emissions and has guidance around travel emissions, promoting a culture of flexible work and digital meetings.

Meanwhile, through our global GreenSpace initiative, we assist clients in identifying and scaling technologies that address pressing climate challenges. We can guide clients in green manufacturing, sustainable aviation, and net-zero farming in exploring innovative materials and processes that reduce their environmental impact.

Access to sophisticated data sets and the integration of AI and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions (such as improving resilience for real-time climate risk assessments and optimising energy usage) allows businesses to adapt proactively and adopt leading opportunities. We’re also doing great work with our alliance partners in making data centres more energy efficient.

By implementing these strategies, Deloitte not only enhances its own sustainability practices but also leads and supports our clients to effectively address their environmental responsibilities.

If your business is exploring its approach to sustainability, the Deloitte team has a series of reports offering strategic tips for remaining competitive and resilient in this space, or you can contact Louise Aitken to talk through your next steps.