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Australian Computer Society
 
 

Reaching carbon neutrality

Technology is the seventh largest polluting industry on the earth.

(Source: The Eco Experts UK)

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Power demand from generative AI is increasing at an average annual rate of 70%

 

Every email we send, every line of code we write and every video call we make adds to our carbon footprint. It is now up to us to take action, change the current unsustainable trajectory of the tech sector and reach carbon neutrality.

 

Our expanding digital world requires enormous amounts of energy. While energy is used in many ways, two areas that require significant power are:

  • The operation of technology products
  • The housing and mining of data – something the future of AI is heavily reliant on, with power demand from generative AI increasing at an average annual rate of 70% (Morgan Stanley)

 

As a result, it is essential to work toward an Active Carbon Neutral Standard that introduces more energy-efficient solutions and data models that can power AI without being carbon-expensive.

 

Working toward carbon neutrality is not just essential to the future of our planet, it can also give businesses a competitive edge. In today’s market, eco-conscious organisations are often more favoured, with more consumers choosing to purchase from sustainable suppliers. 

 
 
 
 
 

How ACS is helping to achieve carbon neutrality

 
 

ACS works as a conduit to connect government, education and industry organisations with climate-positive tech experts who help them reduce their carbon emissions. This will play a significant part in Australia’s commitment to a Net Zero plan and 2035 emissions reduction targets. Australia is also a party to the Paris Agreement, meaning our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is required to be reviewed regularly – so ACS is helping to ensure that large organisations are prepared for change.

 

ACS is pleased to support organisations like Climate Salad and Global Futures Education that are helping to make the business landscape more sustainable. By providing high-level education, support, tools and programs for tech companies, they are helping find solutions to the intensifying global environmental challenges of the 21st century. ACS was proud to sponsor the Impact Award at the 2023 Climate Salad Festival.

 

Our partnership with LiteHaus International has also helped increase sustainability efforts. In addition to bridging the digital divide, by repurposing used laptops and donating them to school students who have limited access to tech, we have helped give new purpose to old devices and so reduce e-waste.

 
 

Learn more with these ACS member resources

 
 

Building a Strategic Commitment to Sustainability

 

Learn how to identify areas where you can implement sustainable business practices and some key lessons that can help you integrate sustainability into your company’s business strategy.

 

Take course

 

Identifying Opportunities Sustainability Presents

 

Implementing sustainable practices isn’t just good for the planet, doing so can also present a range of opportunities for your business around consumer engagement, brand image and more.

 

Listen now

 
 
 

How you can take action

 

  • Increase your knowledge of sustainability in the tech workforce through the ACS online content, tools and resources listed below
  • Engage with ACS Labs member Climate Salad and Global Futures Education or donate used devices to LiteHaus International
  • Become an advocate for sustainability within your workplace and develop a carbon-neutral action plan
  • Work with ACS to develop new ways to make a difference
  • Connect with leaders in the climate action space, including:
 
 
 
 

ACS Social Impact

 

We are building a better tech future… and you can join us!