Did anyone see the recent Amazon announcement around how they have decided to extend the life of the server hardware in their data-centres and with this bank a cool $900m extra this quarter as they don’t need to worry about life cycling / upgrading this financial cycle – there is some serious dosh in the bank – but is it morally and ethically correct??
The register article can be found here if you want to take a read: https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/02/amazon_q4_2023/
The difference between more modern kit and stuff of yester-year from a power consumption perspective – and therefore CO2 footprint is just huge…
It really does leave a question around – is this the type of behaviour we want from our technology partners that host our businesses & at the same time, most of us are probably selling an internal story around how cloud is a much “greener” technology approach (and by the way – I do believe it is – as it makes us think about capacities etc) This type of approach from Amazon does require questions to be answered…
Anyhow – some of the reasons as to why we should question this behaviour – and not just from a green agenda – but security, advancement and innovation is listed below….
As ever – interested in your views/thoughts/ideas in this space… Oh – and if you are a customer of Amazon – maybe question them on the outcomes they are getting from this dodgey – oops I mean cost effectiveness approach! Here comes some food for thought…
Energy Guzzlers: Older technology is notoriously inefficient. Servers, computers, and even appliances built years ago consume significantly more energy than their modern counterparts. This increased energy demand translates into higher carbon emissions from power plants, contributing to climate change and air pollution.
E-Waste Woes: When electronics finally reach the end of their usable life, they become e-waste – a rapidly growing global problem. Disposing of e-waste responsibly is crucial, but it requires specialized recycling facilities that can extract valuable materials and prevent harmful toxins from leaching into the environment. Extending the lifespan of technology means delaying the inevitable e-waste problem, potentially leading to improper disposal and environmental contamination.
Resource Drain: Manufacturing new technology requires a significant amount of resources, from mining raw materials to processing and transportation. By opting for outdated tech, we perpetuate the cycle of resource extraction and contribute to environmental degradation. Conversely, investing in newer, energy-efficient technology can reduce the overall resource footprint over time.
Security Risks: Outdated software and hardware are more vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and malware infections. These security risks can have far-reaching consequences, from financial losses to identity theft and even disruption of critical infrastructure. Upgrading to newer, secure technology not only protects your data but also minimizes the risk of environmental damage caused by cyberattacks.
Missed Opportunities & Stifling Innovation: Sticking with outdated technology limits your ability to leverage the latest advancements in efficiency and sustainability. Newer technologies often come equipped with features like automatic power-saving modes and smart resource management, significantly reducing their environmental impact. By embracing innovation, you can unlock opportunities to operate more sustainably and contribute to a greener future.
The Bottom Line:
While extending the lifespan of technology might seem like a cost-saving measure, the hidden environmental costs cannot be ignored. Upgrading to newer, more efficient technology not only benefits the environment but also enhances security, opens doors to innovation, and ultimately leads to a more sustainable future. Remember, the true cost of technology goes beyond its price tag – it encompasses its environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle.
Sweating assets is not really the answer – let’s do something much more earth-friendly!
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