Chief Technology Officers are critical to companies meeting net-zero targets

How do we power our potential to create a cleaner, greener future?

That is the existential question that the tech industry is working to answer, and the stakes have never been higher: Even as companies are pursuing their current net-zero goals, demand for computing energy continues to grow.

But while technology is part of the problem, it is also critical to the solution: 82% of senior IT leaders say that technology strategy and sustainability strategy must become increasingly aligned if their organization is to reach net zero. The rest of the C-suite overwhelmingly agrees. In fact, 84% of CEOs and Chief Sustainability Officers say that the CTO has the potential to become the greatest driver of sustainability in their organization.

These are just some of the key findings in a new study available from Intel, The Sustainable CTO. The survey of 2,020 senior leaders across the industry is filled with compelling data that can help decision-makers spark conversation, support the case for transformation in their business, and inspire meaningful action to reach net zero. It is illuminating research that identifies where today’s tech leaders are seeing both opportunities and obstacles ahead.

In the end, it all boils down to this understanding: CTOs are essential to accelerating sustainable transformation.

All senior IT leaders have a role to play in reaching “tech zero,” or reducing the carbon footprint of the IT function. By unifying sustainability and business goals, though, CTOs are uniquely positioned to ensure organizations become “tech positive,” which is defined by actually driving business growth through decarbonization.

What CTOs still require are the supportive resources necessary to fulfill the mandate they’ve received.

They already have the commitment. CTOs don’t need to be convinced to play their pivotal role: 79% aspire to become a sustainability leader in their business, and “leading the sustainable transformation of the IT function” is currently the number one CTO priority. They’re certainly feeling the pressure to decarbonize: 81% of CEOs and CSOs believe that tech leaders must now be sustainability leaders.

This research tells us that when it comes to intention, everyone is aligned.

When it comes to implementation, though, CTOs still struggle. Why?

The Sustainable CTO report identifies a three-prong set of obstacles that together constitute a?“tech trilemma.” First, there’s a knowledge gap: Most CTOs say their organization lacks people with the right expertise in sustainable IT.?Second, few CTOs name innovation as their top priority despite the significant role that AI, robotics, and other transformative technology plays in building a more sustainable business; there are simply too many competing agendas and economic pressures. Finally, IT senior leaders are hamstrung by insufficient investment in sustainability solutions as they struggle to show an immediate ROI that can justify increased budgets.

For the big payoffs to materialize, CTOs must be empowered with the knowledge and tools they need. “Technology has a critical role to play in sustainable transformation,” said Greg Lavender, senior vice president, CTO and general manager of the Software and Advanced Technology Group at Intel Corporation. “If the C-suite, including CTOs and CIOs, rally in support of a tech-positive approach, technological transformation can propel us toward a future that is greener, fairer, and smarter.”

Now we have the roadmap. Download the full report.