Leveraging Tech for a Greener, Fairer, and More Accountable Business

If you’re reading this blog post, you’re probably wondering what ESG means and how IT (information technology) practices can impact it. My name is Michael Hamer, Netitude Client Strategy Director. During my five-plus years helping our clients achieve digital transformation, I’ve learned a thing or two about how pivotal a role IT can play in helping organisations smash their ESG strategies.

What is ESG?

Before we go any further, let’s break down what ESG is and why it’s important. ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance and is universally accepted as criteria for evaluating how an organisation operates in a socially responsible way.

As technology weaves its way even deeper into the roots of organisations with the transcendence of AI (artificial intelligence), automation, along with a plethora of digital tools, it’s never been more important to align IT infrastructure with environmental, social, and governance expectations.

Essentially, decision-makers need to ensure they are making smarter choices when it comes to IT by opting for more sustainable, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible practices.

The Role of IT in Modern Business

As both a Virtual IT Director and Client Strategy Director, I’ve seen firsthand how the role of IT in modern business is intertwined with the day-to-day running of an organisation.

Technology has become deeply embedded in business operations, streamlining processes through automation, enabling data-driven decisions, and increasing collaboration. The result? Improved efficiency and productivity across the board.

Of course, these benefits are music to the ears of decision-makers. When we present new clients with hard data and a technological roadmap showing what they can achieve in a relatively short amount of time, the response is often: “Where do I sign?”

While IT makes perfect sense from a business efficiency perspective, it also plays a crucial role in helping organisations reach their ESG goals.

Social Responsibility

In 2025, one of the pivotal aspects of ESG that companies must address is social responsibility. This often involves improving workplace diversity and inclusion. To succeed, businesses must create fairer and more inclusive environments, which in turn boost employee satisfaction, improve retention, and attract top talent.

How Technology Supports Social Responsibility

For instance, remote and hybrid working have become very common, with Statista reporting that “in February 2025, approximately 14% of UK workers worked from home exclusively” with “a further 26% opting for a more hybrid working pattern These statistics highlight that a large percentage of the UK workforce still needs to access business systems and collaborate with colleagues remotely in 2025.

Therefore, it is paramount to have the right technology in place for these forward-thinking organisations that adopt remote and hybrid working models. Otherwise, a whole host of problems could stem from a lack of systems and tools.

Here are a few ways technology can impact an organisation’s social responsibility:

• Remote Work Platforms: Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the popularity of remote working platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack has boomed due to their ability to accommodate flexible working schedules and lifestyles. According to Business of Apps, Microsoft Teams is the go-to collaborative tool for “over one million organisations in 2025”.
• Training & Development: Upskilling has never been more critical than it is today in a digitally driven economy. Technology has made training and development opportunities much more accessible to the average employee, who can use virtual mentorship programs and e-learning platforms facilitated by IT.
• Data Analytics: The boom in data tools has meant that diversity metrics, such as an organisation’s workforce composition and pay gaps, can be identified and addressed much quicker and with ease. Employee performance can also be evaluated fairly and accurately regarding annual reviews and promotional opportunities.

Environmental Impact of IT

IT also plays a role in helping organisations reduce their environmental footprint. With technology now central to daily operations across sectors, it’s essential to consider how IT infrastructure can help or hinder environmental progress.

Ways to Reduce Energy Consumption with IT:

• Server Virtualisation and Consolidation: This method allows multiple virtual servers to run on a single physical server, reducing energy consumption and optimising space. Hypervisors and virtual machine software make this possible and are an effective way to reduce the number of physical machines a business needs.
• Cloud Computing: Migrating to cloud platforms helps reduce the carbon footprint by centralising data and processing power in more energy-efficient data centres. Cloud providers often operate on renewable energy and employ scalable solutions that reduce waste.
• Device Lifecycle Management: Extending the life of IT equipment, investing in energy-efficient devices, and recycling old hardware responsibly all contribute to more sustainable operations.
• Energy Monitoring Tools: Real-time energy monitoring systems can help IT teams identify where energy is being wasted and offer insights on how to reduce consumption.

How Tech Supports Better Governance:

Corporate governance—how an organisation is directed and controlled by governmental bodies in relation to their area of operations—is the third pillar of ESG, and one that technology can significantly strengthen.

In today’s business landscape, organisations are expected to be transparent, accountable, and compliant in everything they do. A strong example of this in the UK is the Cyber Essentials scheme. This government-backed accreditation recognises businesses for demonstrating robust cybersecurity practices and proactively addressing vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure.

At Netitude, we’ve been helping our clients meet Cyber Essentials requirements for years. It’s just one way we use IT to drive better governance outcomes. For more information regarding anything Cyber Essentials related, check out our dedicated blog post: Breaking Down the Cyber Essentials Accreditations.

• Compliance and Risk Management Tools: From GDPR to sector-specific regulations, businesses face increasing pressure to stay compliant. IT systems can automate checks, flag risks, and generate audit trails, keeping organisations ahead of potential issues. A recent Hyperproof study found that 91% of organisations now have centralised teams managing Governance, Risk, and Compliance—an all-time high.
• Cybersecurity and Data Governance: Strong cybersecurity frameworks are vital for protecting data and maintaining trust. With proper access controls, encryption, and regular audits, IT helps uphold governance standards. And with businesses facing an average of 1,636 cyberattacks per week—a 30% year-on-year increase, according to Segura Security—investment in these systems is no longer optional.
• Reporting and Decision-Making: Real-time dashboards and data visualisation tools give leadership access to the insights they need to make informed decisions. This strengthens accountability, supports strategic planning, and ensures stakeholders have clarity on operations and risks.

Ultimately, good governance is about making informed, ethical choices, and IT provides the foundation for doing just that.

The Final Word

If you’ve scrolled down this far, I hope you’ve learned just how important IT is to your ESG strategies and targets. Working in the technology space, I’ve witnessed just how much of a cornerstone tech has become for businesses that strive to become more responsible and forward-thinking.

In my opinion, the best way to think of IT is as an enabler; when used strategically and optimised effectively, it can become a driver of positive change for many years to come.

As a business leader or decision maker, I’d use this as an opportunity to look at your current IT practices and see if they’re in line with your ESG targets. If not, this could be a huge opportunity that’s being missed in terms of making your business more sustainable, inclusive and compliant.