The role IoT has to play in green recovery

By Coen Janssen 11

How IoT technology can aid a green recovery after Covid.

 

(Image credit: Image Credit: Melpomene / Shutterstock)

Covid-19 has undoubtedly caused major global disruption to both businesses and the wider economy, but not all for the worse. There are, of course, negative repercussions of the pandemic with long-term economic and employment impacts forecast but there have also been some positive changes that have been brought about by this disruption such as the need for the recovery to be sustainable and green.

The various forms of lockdown across the world have had an extremely positive impact on our surrounding environments. The first most notable impact was perhaps a drop in air pollution levels in major cities globally as well as an overall restoration of nature. LA can now see its skyline while in Venice the lack of pollution in the canals has seen a return of wildlife such as swans and dolphins. These events have caused many to realize the extent of the damage that is being inflicted on the environment due to our everyday actions such as commuting. However, as restrictions are beginning to ease there is a greater pressure from consumers and public offices to build greener operations into recovery plans to ensure that all the positive progress made in lockdown is not lost within a matter of weeks of returning to ‘normal’. 

The UK already has a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 with some industries committing to an earlier deadline of 2030. Post-recovery lockdown presents an opportunity for businesses to test and roll out new operations and technology that will aid more sustainable business practices.

In particular the internet of things (IoT) provides wider opportunities for businesses to comply by social distancing measures, while also implementing sustainable solutions. IoT allows data to flow easily from anything to anyone and, although traditionally associated with smart home devices this technology opens up a huge opportunity for a wide range of businesses to become greener as they roll out their recovery plans.