Without a doubt, one of the biggest trends in tech in 2025 is sustainability, evident across practically every area. As the world places increasing importance on technology in banking, healthcare, and communication, we're faced with a crucial question: are we making truly sustainable choices?
You might think, "Tech is online, right? It can't have a negative effect." This common misconception arises because digital solutions seem inherently sustainable. Why print pages of notes when you can open another document on your computer? Why use large physical storage solutions instead of the cloud? However, as we’ve seen with sustainable UX/UI design, even digital products require thoughtful implementation to reduce their environmental footprint.
While the tech industry offers numerous innovative and sustainable solutions, it also has significant environmental impacts, such as:
Increasing pollution – The creation and use of technology can heighten air, water, heat, and noise pollution, much like how AI’s energy consumption has raised concerns about sustainability in recent years.
Using non-renewable resources – Many technologies are made with non-renewable materials like metals, and valuable resources such as coal and water are consumed to generate the necessary energy. As explored in tech's role in sustainable development, the industry is actively working to find more renewable alternatives.
Increasing waste – Electronics often have short lifespans, contributing to the growing problem of waste once discarded; the manufacturing process also generates substantial waste. Addressing this issue, circular economy initiatives in tech are helping extend product life cycles.
Disrupting ecosystems and the environment – Previously clean and habitable environments have become unlivable for many animals due to factories or landfills. The shift toward greener infrastructure in cloud computing aims to mitigate some of these disruptions.
Introducing new health concerns for humans – Technology has made our lives easier, but it has also led to more time spent staring at screens, reducing physical activity and increasing digital dependency.
Contributing to carbon emissions – Factories, power plants, and other technological infrastructures release carbon emissions, contributing to global warming. The push for energy-efficient tech solutions is a key part of making the industry more sustainable.
The intersection of technology and sustainability is a growing priority as companies work toward reducing their environmental impact. By embracing responsible innovation, businesses and individuals can help shape a greener future while leveraging technology’s full potential.
Seems like it has quite the impact, no? Technology does significantly impact the environment, there’s no doubt about it. But as more and more people have learned about the potential dangers of technology and its impact on the environment, more and more professionals and companies are taking the first step towards identifying potential problems and finding sustainable, environmentally-focused solutions.
Before we dive right into green practices in tech, let’s cover sustainable technology itself and why it’s so important.
What Is Sustainable Technology?
To counteract the effects of waste, pollution, and the depletion of non-renewable resources, sustainable technology has become a growing focus in the tech industry. However, sustainability in tech goes beyond just reducing environmental impact. It also prioritizes the responsible use of natural resources while supporting economic and social development.
The three main pillars of sustainable technology include:
Substitution – To reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and non-biodegradable materials, sustainable technology promotes the use of renewable resources and biodegradable alternatives. This shift is already being explored in areas such as green tech innovations.
Prevention – Sustainable technology helps predict and mitigate the long-term environmental impact of technological advancements, preventing pollution and ecosystem damage before they occur. Sustainable UX/UI design plays a role in this by ensuring digital products are built with minimal energy consumption.
Efficiency – While some energy use and waste production are inevitable, optimizing technology to use resources efficiently helps limit its overall footprint. As seen in tech-driven sustainable development, many industries are adopting AI-powered efficiency solutions.
Examples of Sustainable Technology
Sustainable technology is already integrated into daily life, even in ways we might not immediately recognize:
Public transport – Encouraging shared transportation reduces carbon footprints and helps minimize individual vehicle emissions. AI-driven smart city solutions are also improving public transportation systems through real-time updates and optimized routes.
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) – This technology captures and repurposes CO₂ emissions from industrial activities, helping mitigate their environmental impact.
LED lights – With longer lifespans and lower energy consumption, LED lighting has become a leading example of how sustainable tech improves existing solutions.
Why Should Businesses Choose Sustainable Technology?
At first, committing to sustainable technology may seem costly or time-intensive. However, integrating sustainable practices offers long-term business advantages, including:
Attracting investors – Companies prioritizing sustainability are more likely to secure long-term investments, as environmental responsibility is a growing concern for stakeholders.
Retaining top talent – Tech professionals are seeking roles at companies aligned with their values. Businesses with a strong sustainability strategy stand out in the competitive hiring market.
Operational efficiency – Learning how to optimize resource usage not only benefits the environment but also helps businesses reduce costs and improve efficiency.
As technology continues to evolve, sustainability will remain a key factor in shaping the future of the industry.
Green Practices in Tech
Now that we’ve explored the environmental impact of technology and why businesses must prioritize sustainability, let’s look at some key green practices shaping the industry in 2025. While there are many emerging initiatives, these stand out as examples of how the tech world is making sustainability a priority.
Environmentally Friendly Devices
The production of tech gadgets and devices has traditionally had negative environmental effects. However, in 2025, manufacturers are shifting toward recycled and biodegradable materials in their designs. Many are also repurposing out-of-use devices, such as old laptops and mobile phones, to encourage recycling and reduce waste.
This shift not only minimizes electronic waste but also sets a precedent for innovation. As seen with sustainable UX/UI practices, integrating sustainability into design does not have to compromise performance or user experience. Companies leading the way in eco-conscious device manufacturing are proving that sustainability and high-quality technology can go hand in hand.
With green tech innovations on the rise, the demand for sustainable materials and energy-efficient design is likely to grow, encouraging widespread adoption across the industry.
Online Data Centers and Sustainability
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses store and manage data, but its role in sustainability is often overlooked. Before the cloud, companies relied on large, energy-intensive data centers, which consumed vast amounts of electricity and contributed to carbon emissions. The transition to cloud-based storage has significantly reduced the reliance on physical infrastructure, helping lower energy consumption and minimize environmental impact.
However, as demand for cloud services grows, ensuring that data centers operate sustainably remains a challenge. Companies are now investing in energy-efficient cloud solutions and exploring innovations such as green technology in cloud computing to reduce their carbon footprint. Efforts such as server optimization, renewable energy-powered data centers, and advanced cooling technologies are making cloud storage a more sustainable option for businesses worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, and its impact on sustainability is no exception. AI's ability to analyze large datasets enables professionals to develop climate prediction models, improve environmental monitoring, and optimize energy distribution.
For example, AI-driven smart city solutions are being used to create more efficient energy grids, reducing waste and enhancing distribution. Additionally, AI helps businesses track and evaluate sustainability initiatives, ensuring that environmental efforts are measurable and data-driven.
As discussed in AI ethics frameworks, the responsible implementation of AI ensures that sustainability solutions remain efficient, unbiased, and aligned with environmental goals.
By leveraging AI-powered insights, organizations can take a more proactive approach to sustainability, making better-informed decisions that reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.
Increased International Collaboration
When it comes to sustainability, collective efforts drive the most impact. As governments and companies continue to work together, increased collaboration allows for the exchange of ideas, innovation, and best practices. These partnerships help organizations explore new sustainable strategies that may not have been possible without global cooperation.
Beyond knowledge-sharing, widespread adoption of sustainable technology encourages more companies and individuals to commit to environmentally friendly practices. As sustainability becomes more mainstream, businesses integrating green tech solutions will set new industry standards, further accelerating global progress.
Sustainability in UX/UI Design
For years, UX/UI designers have focused on optimizing user experience. While this remains true, the industry is now also prioritizing environmentally conscious design. Sustainable UX/UI aims to reduce the environmental impact of digital products by focusing on energy efficiency, accessibility, and long-term usability.
Designers are increasingly embracing sustainable UX/UI principles, applying methods such as circular and regenerative design to minimize waste and maximize inclusivity. As companies look for ways to reduce digital carbon footprints, UX/UI professionals play a crucial role in building more efficient, sustainable digital experiences.
By integrating eco-conscious design principles, UX/UI professionals can create interfaces that benefit both users and the environment, making sustainability a core part of the design process.
The Future of Sustainability in Tech
The future is clear—and it's looking increasingly green. As sustainability becomes a core priority for businesses worldwide, more companies are adopting eco-conscious designs and practices to reduce their environmental impact. With continued innovation, industries are transforming traditional processes into more sustainable solutions, proving that progress and sustainability can go hand in hand.
For those interested in the intersection of technology and sustainability, understanding the latest trends is essential. From green tech innovations to sustainable UX/UI practices, the shift toward responsible innovation is shaping the future of the industry.
About the Author: Juliette Carreiro is a skilled content creator with over five years of experience in SEO, content ideation, and digital marketing strategy. She has spent more than two years at Ironhack, where she developed in-depth articles on topics ranging from career growth in tech to the future impact of AI. With expertise across tech, hospitality, and education industries, Juliette has helped brands like Ironhack engage their audiences with impactful storytelling and data-driven insights.
