"Technology should not cost us the Earth; it should help us protect it." Dr. Mae Jemison, astronaut and environmental advocate

Understanding environmental effect

Every tech company, no matter how small, influences the environment. This influence can stem from your product's lifecycle, your operational energy use, and even the partners you choose. Starting with an eco-conscious mindset can not only reduce your environmental footprint but also position your brand attractively for customers and investors who value sustainability.

Environmental effect for early-stage tech companies refers to the effects that their products, services, and operations have on the natural environment. This can include things like greenhouse gas emissions, product design and material usage, waste generation, energy consumption, and resource depletion.

Priorities for an early-stage company

Software company

Often startups with software products overlook the ability to reduce their environmental effect, but there are important decisions that a company can take at the earliest point. These include:

• Choose a green cloud provider: Opt for services like Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or AWS, known for their commitment to renewable energy. There are many other options that startups can use but be aware that cloud providers do vary in their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. This can also be a key consideration for companies that use a blockchain platform.
• Network: Build relationships with suppliers and partners who prioritize environmental sustainability.
• Optimize software efficiency: Design your software to use less computing power, which reduces energy consumption both in data centers and for end-users.
• Implement green coding practices: Adopt programming methodologies that improve energy efficiency, such as optimizing algorithms for better performance and reduced resource usage.
• Support remote work: Embrace remote work policies that not only reduce the need for office space but also cut down on commuting-related emissions.
• Digital product lifecycle: Consider the environmental effect of your product throughout its entire lifecycle, from development to deployment and beyond. Think about ways to reduce this impact, such as by extending the lifespan of your software or making it more easily recyclable.
• Energy monitoring and reduction: Use tools to monitor the energy consumption of your operations and seek ways to reduce it. This could include choosing more energy-efficient hardware or optimizing the use of cloud resources.

Hardware company

Hardware companies have a significant opportunity to make decisions and actions in the early days that will make an impact on the environment. Start with product design and consider the following:

• Sustainable materials: Wherever possible, choose materials with a lower environmental impact.
• Efficient design: Aim for designs that minimize size and weight, reducing energy consumption during production.
• Packaging and logistics: When deciding the delivery of your product consider using sustainable packaging options like recycled materials or biodegradable plastics. You can also think about how to limit transportation emissions associated with delivery methods.