Climate change is a global issue, putting organisations under increasing pressure to become more sustainable and reduce waste. There is always a delicate balance that needs to be struck between decreasing the businesses’ impact on the environment while also keeping an acceptable level of growth and output, which can be a complex puzzle for decision-makers to try and solve.
IoT can be a solution, organisations can leverage to advance their sustainability efforts. There are several ways in which having fully networked, integrated systems and devices can aid in reaching sustainability targets, allowing for increased efficiency, decreased power usage and a better understanding of where waste is occurring in processes.
An example of this is through the innovative use of IoT in environmental protection. This is exemplified by LitterCam, a technology that employs IoT and AI to identify littering across the UK from CCTV footage. This application dramatically enhances the capability of local authorities to monitor and address waste disposal behaviour, directly contributing to cleaner, more sustainable communities.
Sustainable by design
IoT devices lend themselves to being a driver for increased sustainability right from the design stage. If projects are rushed from the design stage to deployment, it can devalue IoT’s effectiveness in the field, resulting in constant maintenance, especially where connectivity and networks are concerned.
Understanding the three core components of connected device estate (hardware, firmware, and connectivity management software) is key to ensuring sustainable devices which can influence an IoT device’s footprint through its lifecycle.
In many cases, devices and applications operate in remote, often hostile, noisy environments such as mines, oil refineries, the manufacturing floor, or warehouses. Designing, deploying, and optimising an IoT solution to provide flexible, reliable, and resilient communications can be incredibly complex, particularly for devices that will be deployed for years in a constantly changing environment.
Ensure low operational impact by keeping devices up to date with secure software and enhancements. Create durable devices as they often remain in the field for a long time and still provide intended function and value – the longer the device functions the lower its carbon footprint will be. A device which is well-designed, equipped and built to use fewer resources overall reduces the impact of manufacturing and energy consumption as well as the eventuality of the disposing of the device.
Using the IoT Readiness Level (IRL) Index provides an objective technical standard that allows organisations to assess their device maturity and compare project performance with others in their industry vertical. Taking proactive steps early in an IoT project means avoiding lengthy and costly delays later.
Say yes to sustainable SIMs
SIM cards are one of the key components that allow IoT devices to function, letting these devices connect to cellular networks and enable their main functionality. Often, the traditional SIM cards like the SIMs that work in consumer mobiles are separate from the devices and packed in plastic, contributing to further waste. It’s not just the packaging but the manufacturing and transportation process that can contribute to the emissions.
In contrast, Soft SIMs being entirely software-based, dramatically cut down on this, since there is no need for physical production and disposal, significantly reducing our plastic footprint. Another alternative is eSIMs which uses remote SIM provisioning platforms and eUICC technology to switch mobile network operators over-the-air which enables seamless switching without the need for physical SIM swaps. eSIMs also offer increased durability and are less susceptible to physical damage and degradation, as a result require less time and expense for replacements.
The most popular choice of SIMs is iSIMs, which come embedded in the chipset of the device. The use of iSIMs is on the rise with 61% of IoT professionals saying they are considering a move to iSIM. This type of SIM offers the lowest physical space on IoT devices, reducing component costs and eco-footprint to help meet sustainability targets whilst still expanding geographic reach with dependable global connectivity coverage. Reduce carbon footprint by looking at alternatives to the plastic SIM on printed circuit boards.
IoT is essential for EVs
The advancement of components within IoT technology becoming more environmentally friendly is what drives the role IoT plays in other industries.
IoT excels in driving green technology in the EV space. EVs, and more specifically EV charging, would not be able to function without the use of IoT technology from payment processing and software updates, to collecting user analytics. Unreliable connectivity leads to delays which reduces the efficiency of charge points, limits customer throughput and – perhaps most concerning in a sector where adoption is still at an early stage – dents customer confidence.
Additionally, as electric vehicles become the standard, any charging points that are installed now will need to be future-proofed to be ready for the increased adoption of EVs. The goal, therefore, is to create charging points that can run for 10 years, or more, with minimal human intervention. Having a low-maintenance, durable charging point network is achievable with IoT.
Green energy and living walls
IoT devices and their impact on sustainability will provide solutions to improve the management of utility savings and make energy use more efficient. The ability to have devices with a reliable connection can help overcome seemingly impossible challenges when trying to deploy solutions in parts of the world with a harsh climate, or that are isolated and hard to reach.
For example, Eseye’s partnership with SolarNow demonstrates how IoT can bring connectivity to organisations that would usually not be able to access a connection that is secure and reliable enough to be useful. This partnership aimed to supply off-grid solar energy to isolated African communities, empowering them with life-changing equipment, for example, allowing residents to replace often dangerous kerosene lamps in favour of electric lighting.
In the environment sector, IoT and AI integration is making significant strides in protection by enabling local authorities to identify and penalise littering through enhanced CCTV capabilities. This technological advancement underscores the potential of IoT to support sustainability initiatives, directly aligning with Eseye’s vision of harnessing IoT for societal benefits. By identifying littering offences in real-time, these capabilities offer a practical example of how IoT can contribute to cleaner, more sustainable communities, illustrating the broader implications of IoT in driving environmental change.
In addition, living wall projects are another example of how IoT can enable ambitious sustainability projects that might be unachievable without IoT devices. Biotecture deployed green infrastructure installations that not only act as a way of decorating a building and making it stand out but also add much-needed plant life to urban environments that help to clean the air and offset carbon emissions. These implementations can reach upwards of 1700m2 and managing a vast number of plants is impossible without IoT. The ability to carry out proactive, real-time site monitoring of humidity, temperature, water flow and a host of other measurements is crucial to ensuring the plants receive the right level of care.
As the demand for businesses to hit sustainability targets increases, it’s vital to prioritise better management of IoT devices and harness their potential to increase efficiency and reduce waste. By taking a strategic and collaborative approach to IoT, firms can build a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous future for all. Establishing a partnership with the right connectivity provider will be instrumental in creating an environmentally friendly operation that will last into the future.
Author: Ian Marsden is CTO and Co-founder at Eseye.