IoT Technology Will Save More Than Eight Times the Energy it Consumes by 2030 and Drive Strong Reduction in CO2 Emissions and Water Usage - Seite 2

The report also spotlights the difference in energy and resource usage in enterprise and commercial solutions. Enterprise-based IoT capabilities are typically incorporated if they increase efficiency or produce a net economic benefit, often in the form of reduced electricity, fuel, or water consumption. Conversely, connected consumer devices dominate IoT and have a considerable sustainability impact because they typically consume more electricity than their non-connected counterparts. In consumer solutions, IoT capabilities are added to improve the user proposition and tend to be net electricity consumers.

“It is clear that developing and deploying new technologies has a sustainability footprint, but it’s important to note that many enterprise applications are deployed in order to increase efficiency, and the efficiencies generally outweigh the footprints of the solutions themselves,” said Jim Morrish, Founding Partner of Transforma Insights. “For many new technologies the ‘energy cost’ side of the equation is in terms of increased electricity consumption, while savings include reduced use of hydrocarbon fuels: this in itself is beneficial, since electricity can be more readily provided by renewable sources.”

The report notes that IoT-enabled solutions like HVAC systems and building automation generate sustainability benefits regardless of whether they are deployed in a consumer or enterprise context and will be the most impactful electricity saving applications (along with smart electricity grid operations). Net energy consumers include commercial based IoT solutions such as CCTV, AV equipment and personal assistance robots.

The report also identifies the most impactful IoT solution in terms of fuel savings will be Road Fleet Management of vehicles and delivery vans, accounting for roughly 37% of fuel saved by IoT solutions of all kinds. Emerging technologies with the greatest impact on resource consumption are processing-intensive and deployed to ensure compliance or data optimization.

Webinar Details

For a deeper analysis of the report findings, 6GWorld will host a webinar discussion on Wednesday April 21^st at 3:00pm CET to explore the question, “Is IoT Growth Destroying or Healing the Planet?” In the moderated discussion, InterDigital Principal Engineer Dale Seed will offer expert perspectives alongside Transforma Insights’ Jim Morrish and GSMA Head of Climate Action Steven Moore to debate whether the efficiency savings of IoT can balance the costs.