Insights on how digital businesses should approach sustainability in 2024

How can digital companies be more progressive to drive better sustainability practices in their business and beyond in 2024? Leah Goldfarb and Gerhard Andrey explore this topic and more in an insightful conversation on what business sustainability should look like in 2024.

To be progressive in your business practices in 2024 it’s not enough to focus only on the tools your organization develops. You also need to focus on its ecological, social, and economic impact. Leah Goldfarb, Platform.sh Environmental Impact Officer, and Gerhard Andrey, Co-Founder of Liip and National Councillor for the Swiss Green Party, delved into the critical topic of sustainability in digital businesses today. Their impactful conversation illuminated the pressing need for environmentally responsible practices within the tech industry and provided actionable insights for companies striving to make a positive impact in 2024.

The digital sustainability challenge

Their discussion began with a sobering assessment of the current state of digital sustainability. Leah Goldfarb emphasized the urgency of addressing environmental impacts, noting, "The tech industry is a significant contributor to global emissions, and it's our responsibility to mitigate this." This sentiment was echoed by Gerhard Andrey, who highlighted that the digital sector's rapid growth necessitates a proactive approach to sustainability: "We can't afford to wait. The time to act is now."

Key strategies for sustainable growth

The discussion soon transitioned into practical strategies for digital businesses to adopt. Both speakers emphasized the importance of measuring and understanding one's carbon footprint. "You can't manage what you don't measure," Leah pointed out, advocating for comprehensive environmental impact assessments. Gerhard added that transparency is key, "Openly sharing your sustainability metrics builds trust and drives industry-wide change."

Leah elaborated on the Platform.sh approach, which includes optimizing cloud infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and investing in data centers run on renewable energy. "Efficiency and innovation go hand in hand," she stated, highlighting the company's commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint while maintaining high performance.

Collaborative efforts and community engagement

A recurring theme in the discussion was the power of collaboration. Gerhard stressed the importance of partnerships, both within the industry and with external stakeholders. "By working together, we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable digital future," he asserted. Leah concurred, emphasizing that collective action amplifies individual efforts, leading to a more substantial and lasting impact.

Looking ahead: the future of digital sustainability

As the conversation drew to a close, both Leah and Gerhard expressed optimism about the future. Leah noted that growing awareness and technological advancements are paving the way for more sustainable practices. "We're seeing a cultural shift towards sustainability, and it's inspiring," she said. Gerhard echoed this sentiment, adding that policy changes and increased accountability will drive further progress: "The regulatory landscape is evolving, and it's pushing businesses to prioritize sustainability."

Join the journey

The insights shared by Leah Goldfarb and Gerhard Andrey serve as a compelling call to action for digital businesses. The path to sustainability is challenging but achievable, and the rewards extend beyond environmental benefits to include enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty. Platform.sh and Liip are committed to leading by example and invite you to explore their sustainability initiatives further. Together, as an industry, we can build a more sustainable digital future.

To learn more about the innovative approaches towards sustainability and their contributions to the digital landscape, visit Platform.sh and Liip.