Over recent months, we’ve seen a shift in focus from some of the world’s biggest tech players. With AI investment ramping up, many have scaled back their climate commitments. Google’s emissions have risen by 48%, and Microsoft’s by 29%. AI is grabbing attention, but the question remains, what’s happening to sustainability?
As our Founder and CEO, Anthony Levy, observed at the TechUK NetZero conference, the conversation around sustainability is far from over.
For the last few months I’ve been worrying about how some of the big tech players have been stepping back from their climate goals and talking about sustainability in favour of investing in AI.
Anthony Levy, CEO, Circularity First
Sustainability Still in the Spotlight
The TechUK NetZero conference made it clear: sustainability is still a priority. Attendance was double last year’s, and the discussions showed a deeper understanding of the challenges we face.
Anthony sat with key industry players, including Tom Moran from COLT, Zoe Wardle from the MoD, and Gabrielle Giner, Head of Environmental Sustainability at BT. A key takeaway? Regulations are catching up, and businesses will soon be required to take real action.
It wasn’t just the audience that I felt had matured, it was also the content. A lot of focus on further regulation… most large companies in Europe will have to report on scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions.
Anthony Levy, CEO, Circularity First
Why Regulation Matters
With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) already in force, companies will need to report their carbon emissions for 2024, the first year under this regulation, by 2025.
This isn’t just a trend, 64% of tech companies are already being asked for carbon data. Scope 3 emissions, which cover the full supply chain, are becoming a major focus for businesses working to decarbonise.
The Path Ahead: Decarbonising the Tech Sector
At the conference, the primary focus was still on scope 2 emissions (energy use), but scope 3, the harder-to-tackle area, was a major part of the conversation. Decarbonisation is no longer optional; it’s quickly becoming a business imperative.
Anthony also connected with a strategy consultant who pointed out that for many businesses, sustainability now sits at the top of their strategic priorities.
Looking Forward
While AI will undoubtedly shape the future of technology, its energy demands are significant.
The takeaway from TechUK NetZero was clear, sustainability is a must-have in every organisation’s strategy.
