The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming a powerful tool in the push for environmental sustainability and a circular economy. By connecting devices, sensors, and systems, IoT offers innovative ways to manage resources, minimise waste, and encourage sustainable practices. However, as we embrace these advancements, it’s important to consider their environmental impact.

How IoT Drives Sustainability and the Circular Economy
IoT technologies are helping industries and individuals make smarter, more sustainable decisions:

Smarter waste management: IoT-enabled bins sort waste, track usage, and reduce unnecessary collection trips, improving recycling processes.
Energy optimisation: Sensors monitor and reduce energy use in homes, businesses, and renewable energy systems like wind turbines and solar panels.
Supporting circular economy principles: IoT facilitates recycling and reuse through smart sorting, predictive maintenance, and eco-friendly designs that extend product lifespans and reduce waste.
These innovations promote the circular economy, where resources are reused, recycled, and kept in circulation for as long as possible.

The Challenge: IoT’s Environmental Footprint
Despite its benefits, IoT isn’t without challenges. Data centres and IoT devices consume vast amounts of energy, contributing to 2%-5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With only a small percentage of decision-makers prioritising sustainability in technology infrastructure, the environmental costs of IoT could outweigh its benefits unless addressed.

The Debate
Can IoT truly lead the way towards a sustainable future, or are we simply shifting environmental issues elsewhere? Should greater focus be placed on making IoT itself more environmentally friendly?

We want to hear your views! Is IoT the key to sustainability, or do we need a more critical approach to how it’s developed and deployed? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.

Reference: https://www.digi.com/blog/post/internet-of-things-environmental-sustainability