When talking about sustainability, technology is a double-edged sword. In the history of mankind it has caused many problems but often given us new solutions and hope. Now in era of environmental crisis it is time to decide what we are going to do with our technology, what problems we are going to solve and how.

Digitalization has great potential to help with our time’s biggest threats like the climate crisis. The major and most hope provoking megatrends like the circular economy are not possible without the help of technology. We, the people working in IT companies, could have a much bigger handprint in working towards sustainable development goals. Therefore, when talking about sustainability, if we are just focusing on things related to our environmental or societal footprint, for example our own office energy consumption and recycling or our responsibilities as an employer, we are missing the bigger picture. Of course, being responsible for our footprint is important, but one might argue it is just a drop in the ocean compared to our potential handprint through the software and services that we provide.

Speaking out loud about the opportunities and threats is our responsibility as IT specialists. Being innovative and really making a difference are great motivators to every human being. As sustainable employers we need to provide our people the opportunity to work in projects they find meaningful. It is also our societal responsibility. Our success depends on an educated workforce that society provides. Building things that are good for society and the environment is way of giving back.

Adopting a sustainability mindset is both a strength and an opportunity for a company. Our employees, customers and investors are expecting it from us. Success in the future comes to those that have solutions to the biggest challenges of our time.