Sustainability has become a critical global priority, and emerging technologies are playing a pivotal role in driving the transition to a greener future. From renewable energy innovations to 5G and IoT, these advancements are reshaping industries while minimizing environmental impact.
The majority of businesses—76 percent—think that new technologies can significantly lower their company’s carbon footprints. In 5G and IoT investments, ESG is set to be a key factor, and businesses who make these investments already enjoy a number of advantages. In the future, companies’ top priorities for technology vendors will be sustainability certifications and capabilities.
Renewable Energy Breakthroughs
Technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and advanced battery storage are revolutionizing the energy sector. For instance, solar technology is becoming increasingly efficient, with modern panels converting up to 22% of sunlight into electricity. Innovations like floating solar farms and vertical wind turbines are expanding renewable energy potential even in urban or space-constrained areas.
When making investments in future technologies, particularly 5G, ESG is a crucial factor.
When it comes to all emerging technologies, 35% of recent survey participants said that ESG is a key factor to take into account when choosing investments, and 41% think it is significant. ESG is most likely to be a key component of 5G spending, with IoT coming in second.
On the other hand, ESG is less likely to be considered when making investment decisions in augmented reality, blockchain, and quantum computing. For instance, 25% of respondents say that ESG is a small factor to take into account when making blockchain investments. Future priority realignment appears likely given that authorities and politicians, including the European Commission, are paying close attention to ESG issues in relation to bitcoin and other blockchain-based cryptocurrencies.
Business sustainability plans are already benefiting from 5G and IoT.
Businesses typically give the ESG implications of 5G and IoT more consideration when making investment decisions than they do for other developing technologies. Businesses that invest in both of them are more likely to be experiencing advantages when asked about the sustainability of these tech, than the larger sample of businesses questioned about the potential upside of new inventions in general.