NetApp: Are IT Workers the Unsung Heroes of Sustainability?

Who are the most important people in the pursuit of sustainability? Is it the politicians? Is it the CSOs? Is it the consumers?

Whilst there are cases to be made for all of these groups, one cog in the green machine is becoming more indispensable than any other.

What’s more, it’s not who you might expect.

“Sustainability has moved from a buzzword to a boardroom priority,” says Nicola Acutt, the CSO of intelligent data infrastructure company​​​​​​​ NetApp.

“But what may surprise many is that the unsung heroes driving this change are not in environmental departments - they’re in IT.”

That’s right, IT professionals are quietly emerging as key players in the global sustainability movement.

The IT crowd have skill sets that few other professionals possess, and it just so happens that their expertise is extremely useful in propelling decarbonisation efforts and promoting green technologies. 

IT’s potential to drive transformative change 

While sustainability has climbed the corporate agenda, often dominating boardroom discussions, it is the IT sector that holds much of the untapped potential to drive transformative change.

“What if the data centres powering our digital age became leaders in sustainability?” asks Nicola.

Her question speaks to the sense of opportunity present here. Data centres, which form the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, are notoriously energy-intensive. 

Without significant intervention, their carbon footprint could soon rival that of the aviation industry.

Nicola points to the role of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics in addressing this issue. 

NetApp’s BlueXP Sustainability Dashboard, for instance, allows organisations to track and manage their carbon emissions in real time. 

“By deploying intelligent tools, businesses can optimise energy use and significantly reduce waste,” she explains. These tools offer a practical way for IT teams to balance performance with environmental responsibility.

The industry’s growing recognition of these possibilities is a positive sign, but it also highlights a broader cultural shift within IT departments. 

Traditionally seen as support functions, IT teams are increasingly positioned as leaders in sustainability, driving initiatives that not only reduce environmental impact but also build resilience and efficiency into enterprise systems.

Reigniting circularity in IT purchasing

Sustainability within IT is not solely about energy efficiency. It also involves rethinking the design, use and disposal of technology to better complement circular economy principles.

The traditional 'take, make, dispose' model, which has long characterised the tech industry, is unsustainable in a world of finite resources. Thankfully, lots of companies are beginning to address this.

“Designing for the environment is not a new concept, but it’s one that still requires urgent action,” says Nicola.

Nicola highlights the importance of building modular and recyclable devices that can be easily repaired or upgraded. This approach not only reduces e-waste but also opens new avenues for innovation and economic growth within the sector.

NetApp, for example, has integrated circularity into its product design, focusing on longer lifespans and the use of recycled materials. The company’s take-back programmes ensure that obsolete products are responsibly disposed of or repurposed.

These efforts reflect a broader industry trend towards sustainability-led innovation, as organisations recognise the dual benefits of reducing their environmental footprint while meeting consumer demand for greener technology.

Despite these advancements, there is room for improvement. For circularity to really take hold, it must become a foundational principle across the entire product lifecycle.

This includes not just design and manufacturing but also operations and end-of-life management. Companies that commit to these practices can position themselves as leaders in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.

Mapping sustainability and IT agendas

The intersection of IT and sustainability offers vast potential for organisations striving to meet ambitious environmental goals. However, realising this potential requires more than advanced technology.

It demands a cultural shift that positions sustainability as integral to business strategy rather than a peripheral initiative.

Nicola argues that IT practitioners are uniquely equipped to lead this charge, given their experience with transformation and innovation. “Sustainability is not just a compliance task; it’s an opportunity to drive value and resilience,” she says.

By embedding sustainability into IT operations, companies can enhance their long-term success while making tangible contributions to global environmental efforts.

Collaboration also plays a critical role. Whether through partnerships with environmental experts or cross-departmental initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation can accelerate progress towards sustainability targets.

These efforts underscore the importance of breaking down silos and recognising that sustainability is a shared responsibility across all functions.

For IT professionals, the challenge is clear: step up as sustainability leaders or risk missing an opportunity to shape the future.

“The decisions we make today will define the sustainability landscape for generations to come,” explains Nicola.

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