Leading for a sustainable digital future
Being nominated for Digital Leader of the Year in the 2024 Digital Leaders 100 List is both an honour and an opportunity for reflection. As a technologist, founder of the ClimateTech business GoCodeGreen, and an independent researcher and advisor, I have come to see sustainability not merely as an objective but as a critical outcome of digital leadership. This journey through the landscape of digital innovation has revealed to me the immense potential—and responsibility—that technology leaders have to drive sustainable transformation.
My career began with new media startups, expanded into innovation roles in financial services, and eventually led me to focus on the convergence of technology and climate action. Founding GoCodeGreen has allowed me to channel my passion for technology into a purpose-driven mission: addressing the environmental impact of digital products and services. What may have started as a personal commitment to sustainability has now evolved into a dedicated career path, leveraging the best of digital innovation to tackle one of humanity’s greatest challenges—climate change. Today, my professional focus is aimed at advancing digital decarbonisation and helping to create sustainable digital transformation across industries.
At GoCodeGreen, our mission is clear: to help organisations reduce the carbon impact of their digital operations. Through our platform, we provide actionable insights for digital decarbonisation that go beyond measurement to drive tangible, positive change. Leveraging standards such as the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol ICT Guidance, and ISO frameworks, we assess software and digital products throughout their lifecycle, identifying concrete opportunities to reduce emissions by as much as 53 percent.
One of our core principles is that measuring carbon impact is only the beginning. By offering our clients the insights they need to act on those measurements, we empower them to make a real difference. This commitment to action can also result in operational efficiencies of 15 to 25 percent in costs, as well as a significant reduction in carbon footprint. The benefits are compelling, prompting the question, “Why isn’t your organisation doing this yet?” Gartner recently recognised our work, underscoring the growing importance of sustainability-driven digital solutions in the technology sector.
Sustainability is a movement that requires not only immediate action but also long-term cultural change. Through the GCG Learning Academy, we’ve now had the privilege of training over 500 students in sustainable software and design practices, as well as green IT leadership. This education-orientated approach underpins our belief that knowledge and awareness are critical enablers of systemic change.
To me, “Tech for Good” is about harnessing the transformative power of technology in ways that benefit society and the environment. As digital products permeate every aspect of life, it’s essential to adopt a human-centric approach that prioritises sustainability and social responsibility. By
focussing on measurement, reduction, and optimisation of environmental impact, technology can become a cornerstone of sustainability.
In my work, including my advisory roles, research, and visiting professorships, I advocate for technology that drives systemic change. Technology should not only address immediate needs but also align with long-term sustainability goals. The ICT and digital sectors have a unique opportunity to lead global decarbonisation efforts, setting new standards for responsible growth. My vision for “tech for good” is one where digital progress supports, rather than compromises, the well-being of both people and the planet.
Looking to the future, I see both challenges and opportunities. The accelerating impacts of climate change and the rapidly growing carbon footprint of the digital sector demand urgent action. The ICT sector could account for up to 20 percent of global energy consumption by 2030 if left unchecked. However, the potential for technology to catalyse solutions is encouraging. Emerging fields like generative AI and data-driven automation can significantly optimise energy use and enable the creation of sustainable digital products.
For digital leaders, the future lies in an integrated approach that brings together technological innovation, education, policy-making, and a commitment to measurable outcomes. The first step in any effective strategy is quantifying environmental impact, as measurement is the foundation for targeted improvements. Collaboration is equally crucial; by sharing best practices, establishing industry standards, and advocating for transparency, we can amplify our collective impact.
My advice to aspiring digital leaders is simple: remain persistent in the pursuit of change, no matter how incremental it may seem. Every action counts in the fight against climate change, and the role of technology is central. It’s not just about solving technological challenges but rethinking how we live and interact with our planet. By leveraging technology thoughtfully and responsibly, we can build a future that is both innovative and sustainable.
As a nominee for Digital Leader of the Year, I am encouraged by the value and importance being placed on sustainability in digital. I’ll aim to use this accolade as a springboard for change, driving forward initiatives that make the digital sector a leader in sustainability. I believe we can create a technology landscape that aligns with the values of transparency, efficiency, and a deep respect for our environment.
