Key Takeaway
UK technology companies struggle to balance sustainability with AI ambitions, as highlighted by new research from NetApp. While 92% of IT leaders recognize the environmental harm of single-use data and aim to reduce IT emissions, the allure of AI’s competitive advantages drives data expansion. Leaders anticipate a 41% increase in data volumes from AI projects, potentially escalating their carbon footprint. Despite these challenges, sustainability remains a priority, with 85% of IT leaders identifying effective data management as crucial for reducing emissions and addressing single-use data issues.
UK technology companies are struggling to balance their sustainability objectives with AI aspirations due to data management challenges, according to recent research from NetApp.
The study indicates that 92% of UK IT leaders recognize the detrimental environmental effects of single-use data—information that is collected and stored but utilized only once or not accessed at all—and they aim to lower emissions from IT operations.
Nevertheless, the competitive advantages offered by AI are prompting businesses to increase their data holdings, despite environmental worries.
Business leaders project that AI initiatives will lead to an average 41% increase in their data volumes, which could raise their carbon footprint unless managed properly.
Challenges of single-use data management among UK technology firms
Despite these challenges, sustainability continues to be a priority for companies, with IT departments playing a crucial role in achieving environmental objectives.
NetApp discovered that 85% of IT leaders consider data management essential for reducing their carbon footprint, with the desire to lower emissions being the main reason for tackling single-use data.








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