Friday 14 October 2022

Data is key for businesses to hit their net zero targets

A new study done by the British Computer Society (BCS) revealed that 71% of tech experts don’t feel policymakers and departments have the correct data to make net zero a reality. The study also claims that if governments and industries are not given better data they won’t be able to achieve their pledges. Therefore, data will be key in reducing carbon emissions.

According to the study the correct information on everything that emits carbon, from vehicles to homes and offices, must be accessible or setting net zero goals, such as those at COP26, will be pointless. 61% of those surveyed also stated that they think IT and digital technologies are not currently being used efficiently enough throughout industries to tackle climate change.

Alex Bardell, Chair of BCS, said: “There is huge potential in existing digital technology to cut carbon emissions and reach vital targets – but we need better, richer data and far more qualified data scientists to do this.

“Reaching net zero in time will involve gathering data about every single process on the planet that generates carbon dioxide including in cars, trains, homes and in every office.

“The trends and spikes in that data are essential to decide the best way to save the planet as quickly as possible whilst building a sustainable economy and quality of life. Otherwise, the only way we’ll know what’s going on is when the next extreme weather event wipes out our towns and countryside.”