When the world engages in conversations surrounding carbon neutrality, the industrial and transportation sectors are always part of the discussions. Tech companies have, historically, been left out of these discussions, until recently. However, with the growth of AI and its mainstream adoption, tech companies have swiftly made their way into these talks.
Apple, recently, has reduced its global greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent. The efforts here are part of the company’s 2030 goal to become carbon neutral. Other tech companies are slowly, but surely, contributing to this global effort to curb carbon neutrality.
The responsibility now falls on upcoming tech entrepreneurs, to follow suit. Here’s how.
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Start with What You Can Measure
The idea of going carbon-neutral might sound overwhelming at first. After all, you, as an aspiring entrepreneur, are still figuring out how to get your first users or secure your first funding.
But it’s not about solving the climate crisis all by yourself. It starts with measuring what you can control, like electricity use in your office or co-working space, business travel, server usage, etc.
Once you have a rough idea of your emissions, the next step is cutting down what you can. If you’re using cloud services, switch to providers that run on renewable energy. If you’re offering remote work options, encourage your team to work from home a few days a week.
Here’s the thing: Perfection is not your goal here, but progress is. What matters is that you take this seriously and show that your business isn’t just another tech company chasing profits. It’s out there with a conscience and a plan to combat carbon emissions.
Capture and Use What You Can’t Avoid
No matter how sustainable you try to be, you’re not going to hit zero emissions overnight. Some things, like powering up servers or manufacturing products, will inevitably leave a carbon trail.
Carbon capture and utilization technology can be of great help here, especially for industrial emissions. Here, we’re talking about high-tech ways to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air or from industrial processes. Then comes the part of putting it to good use instead of letting it float into the atmosphere.
This is where things get exciting, especially for someone with a tech-forward mindset like yours. Carbon capture technology is developing fast, and it’s starting to move beyond just theoretical solutions. Real companies are already using carbon capture to extract carbon dioxide from flue gas before it ever leaves industrial chimneys.
This captured gas can then be reused in things like synthetic fuels. In the oil and gas sector, for instance, Atoco reports that captured CO2 can be utilized for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Combined with your commitment to other low-carbon operations, such innovation is your chance to actually do something meaningful in the fight against global warming.
Build a Culture That Cares
A climate-conscious culture starts with you, but it grows when your whole crew buys into the idea. It’s not just about the policies you create or the carbon offsets you invest in. It’s about showing your people that this is a core part of your company’s DNA.
That means talking openly about your carbon goals in team meetings, involving your employees in decision-making, and being transparent about your emissions stand. You might even find that it attracts a different kind of talent. The kind that doesn’t just want to build cool tech, but wants to build a future worth living in.
And when customers, investors, or potential partners see that you’re not just paying lip service to sustainability, they’ll notice.
What Carbon Neutrality Says About You
Not all tech companies are taking the carbon-neutral stance. Some, like Google, have opted out of it in a way. This is because of a significant increase in emissions linked to AI investments. But upcoming tech entrepreneurs and companies must remember this – your stance on carbon neutrality will define you forever.
Carbon neutrality isn’t just about emissions and offsets. It’s about accountability. It says you’re not just here to make noise. You’re here to build something that matters. And if you’re just getting started, this is the best time to lay that foundation.
Making these kinds of decisions early means you won’t have to go back and rewire your whole company culture or infrastructure later. You’re already building the future. Why not make sure it’s a sustainable one?
So go ahead, make your app, pitch your product, and chase your dream. Just make sure you’re doing it in a way that respects the planet you’re building it on. Because if you’re in tech, you already have the tools to change the world.
