Ease the KPIs measurement automation would help companies address accountability on sustainability

May 25, 2023

The latest Connected Human Report focus on how companies can be prime actors for a more sustainable economy by accounting for their ESG metrics

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing manufacturing, retail, smart parking, and waste management industries. However, its potential reaches far beyond increasing efficiency within businesses. IoT has the power to lay the foundation for a digitally transformed future, addressing some of humanity’s most significant challenges and improving everyday comforts.

One pressing challenge that requires immediate attention is protecting our environment and combatting the climate emergency. With rising global temperatures, catastrophic flooding events, and devastating wildfires, the urgency to act has never been more evident. It is paramount for businesses to understand their environmental impact and make sustainability a core aspect of their operations, not only due to government incentives but also because the future of our planet and economy depends on it. By accounting for their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, companies have the potential to become key actors in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.

Building upon the success of our previous reports on smart cities and the agricultural sector, our latest report explores how IoT can transform entire industries to promote sustainability, reduce carbon footprints, comply with new environmental regulations, and ultimately achieve profitability.

The report delves into the importance of ESG metrics as a comprehensive framework for evaluating a company’s impact on the environment, society, and governance practices. It highlights the significance of businesses adopting sustainable practices for compliance and gaining a competitive edge, and meeting evolving stakeholder expectations.

Connected Human Report: A look to sustainable companies

The report combines insights from three leading green IoT experts: Alicia Asin from Libelium, Jeff Case from Process Networks, and Nuno Carvalho from Ambiosfera. These experts delve into the current applications of IoT in improving sustainability, identify barriers to wider adoption of digitalization and greener business practices, and outline the necessary steps for organizations to embrace a sustainable future powered by digital, connected technology.

Meet the IoT experts

Alicia Asin, founder and CEO of Spanish IoT specialists Libelium, has nearly two decades of experience in the IoT and smart cities sector. Alicia was the first woman to receive the National Young Entrepreneur at the 2014 meeting of the Spanish Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs, and is a regular speaker at smart cities conferences across the world, including at the World Economic Forum.
Nuno Carvalho is CEO of Ambiosfera, an IoT consultancy service with a strong environmental component that advocates for developing sustainable societies. Ambiosfera has put together a motivated team, with strong ideological foundations, giving its clients a professional approach to improved sustainability alongside greater financial efficiency.
Jeff Case is Director of Process Networks, an Irish-based Environmental and Process IoT solutions company which works with customers in a range of industries such as water, wastewater, food, dairy and industrial markets using measurement, control and process technologies. It provides sales and support of instrumentation, automation and analytical technology in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Key insights and recommendations

➀ Companies will be increasingly involved in their contributing role in improving the quality of life of citizens and workers. The role of IoT is to ensure the achievement of the Key Performance Indicators of the companies’ sustainability strategies. The report showcases how IoT is currently used to drive sustainability efforts across industries, highlighting successful case studies and tangible benefits.

➁ Barriers to Digitalization and Green Practices: The experts identify and address the challenges hindering the wider adoption of IoT and sustainable practices, exploring infrastructure limitations and cost considerations.

➂ The Path to a Sustainable Future: The report outlines actionable steps and recommendations for organizations looking to integrate IoT solutions, navigate regulatory frameworks, and prioritize sustainability for long-term success.

As the world confronts the climate emergency, the intersection of IoT and sustainability is gaining momentum. Embracing this transformative technology offers unprecedented opportunities to combat environmental challenges while creating profitable and socially responsible businesses.

“We say that IoT is the perfect partner to fight against environmental risks, and far from being a cliche, today is more true than ever,” said Libelium’s Alicia Asin. “Companies must be more sustainable in their way to do business, to be in the world, not only because of regulations but also for citizen surveillance.”

IoT solutions have emerged as a powerful ally for companies and cities in the quest for sustainability. By measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) accurately, organizations can gauge their progress, set realistic targets, and drive meaningful change. IoT technologies offer real-time data insights, remote monitoring and control capabilities, predictive analytics, and seamless integration with existing systems. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, leveraging IoT solutions for sustainability becomes essential in creating a better future for all.

Remember, sustainable practices benefit the environment and contribute to social well-being and economic prosperity. By harnessing the potential of IoT solutions and embracing sustainability KPIs, companies and cities can pave the way for a greener, smarter, and more resilient future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can IoT solutions help companies and cities achieve sustainability goals?

A1: IoT solutions enable organizations to collect and analyze vast amounts of data related to sustainability metrics. By leveraging real-time insights, companies and cities can identify inefficiencies, optimize resource usage, and effectively implement strategies to drive sustainability.

Q2: What are some common sustainability KPIs for companies and cities?

A2: Common sustainability KPIs include energy consumption per unit, waste diversion rate, carbon emissions per capita, water usage efficiency, and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives. These KPIs provide a framework for measuring and monitoring environmental and social performance.

Q3: How does IoT facilitate remote monitoring and control?

A3: IoT solutions allow organizations to remotely monitor and control various systems, such as lighting, HVAC, and irrigation. This capability enables efficient resource usage, reduces energy waste, and improves operational efficiency.

Q4: Can IoT platforms integrate with existing systems?

A4: IoT solutions can integrate with existing systems, such as energy management systems and building automation systems. This integration streamlines data collection and analysis, providing a unified view of sustainability metrics across domains.

The Connected Human is a new series of whitepapers exploring how digitalisation will change how we live our lives. Instead of merely connecting devices and sensors, IoT can potentially connect entire industries and cities.

We will launch three reports that explain how IoT is changing the world according to our three families: Smart Cities, Agrifood and Sustainability.

Read them all.