5 Reasons Why Cloud Computing is Greener

In the past 12 months, cloud computing has been the key to keeping things moving for all types of companies and organisations, enabling teams to remain digitally connected whilst accelerating new and better ways of working - despite the pandemic. 

 

And while 94% of enterprises already use a cloud service, it’s widely reported that a large proportion, over 50%, of SMEs are still to embrace cloud-based computing for software storage and other remote devices. 

 

Of course, the benefits are countless in terms of flexibility, scalability, efficiency, security and cost savings, however, cloud computing’s ability to help businesses operate in a more environmentally friendly manner is a lesser reported benefit - yet a significant one. Here’s how… 

 

 

Fewer servers are required for cloud computing, which are efficiently powered to reduce carbon emissions and electricity consumption. What’s more, cloud data centers are based closer to their power sources, meaning less electrical energy is required to transmit data over long distances. 

 

Due to a better quality hardware setup, cloud computing data centers also use less wattage to provide back-up power and cooling for data centers, which are designed at scale and built for efficient energy use. 

 

 

Several cloud data centres use renewable sources of energy to power their services, such as solar, geothermal, hydropower and wind. In fact, the data centre industry has become a leading player in the growing market for renewable energy. 

 

 

From a cost-saving point of view, it makes sense for cloud service providers to ensure there is no waste of energy, providing optimum services with the least resources. On the flip side, the pay-as-you-go nature of cloud-based infrastructure encourages customers to only consume what they need. 

 

 

The efficiency, streamlining and scaling capabilities have a knock-on effect on other parts of the business too, such distribution, communications and planning, even reducing the use of resources such as paper, packing materials and fuel. 

 

 

Large companies usually need 60% to 70% of cloud server space, whereas smaller companies can require as little as 5% to 10%, meaning more organisations can use a single centre. 

 

With fewer data centres, less equipment is needed, but they are scalable, so they can take on more servers if necessary. The cloud allows for resources to be allocated accordingly, so machines can only be powered when they need to be. 

 

Due to fast-evolving public opinion and changes in government legislation, sustainability is a defining factor in a businesses commercial viability, and migrating to cloud is one of the single, most effective actions an organisation can take in improving its green credentials. 

 

Talk to Iridium to discover more on the overall benefits of cloud computing. #ThinkingGreen