5 Things to Know about Green Cloud Computing

Cloud computing offers numerous business benefits—higher speeds, better data security, easier collaboration, and so on. With benefits like that, it’s not surprising that the cloud application software market is expected to reach $168.6 billion by 2025, according to Statista. 

Not only is the cloud is a smart business decision, but it’s also an environmentally conscious one. Amid the heightened focus on dwindling resources and climate change, many organizations are putting more energy (no pun intended) into sustainability initiatives like the green cloud. 

Today’s data centers consume an estimated 200 terrawatt hour (TWh) each year, which is more than the total national electricity consumption in some countries, according to Parallels. Green cloud computing focuses on the environmental benefits of cloud services, and how they can be used to reduce that energy consumption. For many organizations, green cloud computing begins when they decide to shift from their on-premises infrastructure in the first place. 

Here are five things you should know about green cloud computing:

1. Cloud is always the better option—in terms of sustainability 

Although there is still energy usage associated with running in the cloud, it is more sustainable and better for the environment to move off your own physical hardware. Unless you absolutely need an onsite server, owning and maintaining physical hardware can be more trouble than it’s worth—especially if you’re dealing with frequent performance issues or other challenges. Moving to the cloud is the better choice, hands down, if you’re focused on improving your carbon footprint. 

2. You can save money as well as energy

We already established that it’s a better environmental choice to run in the cloud, but your wallet will also appreciate it. With the cloud, you only use and pay for what you need, and you don’ overprovision ‘just in case’ since the cloud can expand and contract as needed based on your usage. That means less money spent on buying equipment and keeping it running, and more money spent on developing the business. 

3. Green cloud computing has its limits

According to Deloitte, as of mid-2020 there were 541 hyperscale data centers worldwide, with 170+ more on their way. There is a limit to the cloud’s sustainability and it’s important to be aware of it. All these data centers will need uninterrupted energy for processing and cooling—which will no doubt hamper sustainability efforts. While this remains a growing issue, cloud is still the more sustainable choice long-term. And the other good news? Check out number 4. 

4. Major tech players have big plans 

Some of the big names—Google, AWS, Oracle—are already ahead of other indstries when it comes to reaching net zero targets, and they’re not stopping! According to Deloitte, “Google has offset all historical emissions since its founding in 1998 and pledges to operate on completely carbon-free energy, 24 hours a day, by 2030.” 

On top of that, working with an experienced partner, like iuvo Technologies, can help guide your migration and ensure success for the long-term. We’re experts in taking chaos to clarity, and can help you reach key goals—whether they’re around sustainability or productivity. We will be your trusted partner throughout the whole process. 

5. Make your cloud transformation a green one 

Cloud migrations aren’t, and shouldn’t, be a quick and easy exercise. It’s important to make sure you understand all of the tools and services your cloud provider offers so you can build a better and more sustainable environment. Create a detailed roadmap that you can reference and use to track progress is a good first step, or work with an experienced partner to guide your project.

The cloud is the future, and we can help you get there. Check out our cloud offerings or contact us to learn how you can make your cloud a little greener.