134 www. t e c h n o l o g y r e c o r d . c om F E ATUR E The science is clear; humanity needs to do more to protect the planet from the disastrous effects of climate change, by preventing global warming from exceeding a temperature rise of 1.5C. People may be making a more conscious effort to recycle, reduce their use of central heating and walk instead of using cars or public transport, but global organisations need to do more work. Reducing the environmental damage caused by manufacturing, supply chain and logistical operations would not only enable businesses to protect the planet, but it would also allow them to meet significant demand from consumers for them to go green. To encourage businesses to realise the real commercial value, governments and public sector bodies need to step in to provide leadership in advancing global efforts and realising meaningful societal change. “Policy is the clearest example of how to achieve this change,” says Jeremy M. Goldberg, worldwide director of critical infrastructure at Microsoft. “Public sector organisations are setting the standards to which businesses, organisations and people must follow. Major global events like the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) highlight the importance of addressing carbon emissions, and that is key to public sector policymaking and goal setting.” However, carbon emissions are not the only area of interest. “There are other areas of sustainable infrastructure as well, such as the municipal water management organisations that are using technology to reduce water waste and loss due to leaky pipes, unoptimised systems and machinery, and ineffective monitoring capabilities,” says Goldberg. “Because of the threats associated with Consumers are demanding more of organisations in terms of sustainability, and public sector organisations and governments are integral to realising meaningful societal change. Microsoft’s Jeremy M. Goldberg discusses the challenges of doing so, and highlights where Microsoft can provide support BY E L LY YAT E S - ROB E R T S public sector sustainability The “ Our partnership with Microsoft enables Disaster Tech to deploy sustainable solutions to clients” SEAN GRIFFIN, DISASTER TECH for next stage
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