Cloud Migration: Saving Resources and Cutting Your CO₂ Footprint

As part of the digital transformation, companies are turning to flexible cloud solutions to modernise outdated processes. Cloud computing not only enables agile working, but also integrates sustainability as a central element of the corporate strategy. The move to the cloud is more than just a technical migration - it creates valuable synergies and sustainably increases value creation within the company.

Process Optimization Through Cloud Hosting

From a business perspective, one of the most significant advantages of cloud computing lies in the cost savings it enables. The cloud’s flexible scalability allows companies to adjust computing power and storage capacity as needed—whether to handle seasonal fluctuations or unexpected surges in demand.

This efficiency not only reduces IT expenses but also streamlines workflows: teams can collaborate remotely, development cycles are accelerated and new services can be implemented much faster.

The growing importance of cloud technology for businesses is underscored by a survey conducted by Bitkom e.V. According to the findings, 61% of the companies surveyed already rely on cloud integration to drive their processes forward effectively.

Measuring progress systematically is crucial in order to promote not only efficiency but also sustainability. The MRO (Measure-Reduce-Offset) method offers a structured approach to analysing measures, evaluating their impact and achieving verifiable results in the long term.

A Powerful Driver for Sustainability

Beyond its economic benefits, cloud computing offers a significant opportunity to enhance sustainability within businesses. The larger the company, the greater the demand for IT hardware—from servers to end-user devices.

However, these devices often fail to reach their full lifespan due to accounting depreciation rules and operational policies that lead to premature replacements. The environmental consequences of this practice, including increased resource consumption, are often overlooked.

The cloud provides a sustainable alternative. By eliminating the need for on-premises servers and unnecessary hardware, material consumption is significantly reduced. Additionally, the cloud’s flexible IT infrastructure enables a more efficient use of existing resources.

(link: https://zammad.com/en/blog/do-you-have-a-sustainability-strategy-here-is-ours text: To fully leverage these benefits, companies need to rethink the traditional ownership model: instead of owning physical devices, the focus shifts to accessing scalable, on-demand IT resources.

Sharing is Caring: Utilizing Cloud Structures Together

In-house cloud infrastructures often prove to be inefficient. In many cases, the storage capacities provided exceed actual needs and, when considering future expansions, present an unattractive cost-benefit scenario.

In contrast, cloud data center providers enable significantly more sustainable usage. The scalability effect is much greater here, as higher server utilization and energy-efficient technologies create a balanced approach.

Companies that share rented servers with others not only conserve resources but also avoid overcapacity. Shared usage, therefore, allows for smarter cloud architecture on multiple levels.

Data Management Strategy Saves Energy

As digitalization progresses, the volume of data is growing at an unprecedented pace. However, only a fraction of this data is actually required for daily operations. To use resources efficiently, businesses should categorize their data into "essential" and "less relevant" groups.

Cloud platforms offer flexible storage solutions that allow companies to store infrequently accessed data in energy-efficient options like cold storage, while keeping frequently used information on fast, easily accessible tiers. Automated cloud functions further optimize data management by independently shifting, compressing, or archiving data based on usage patterns.

The dynamic scalability of the cloud ensures that businesses utilize only the storage capacity they actually need—an approach that reduces both energy consumption and costs. With a well-defined data management strategy and the support of cloud technology, companies can not only work more efficiently but also actively contribute to sustainable resource use.

However, setting up an effective data management system requires a well-thought-out strategy. Only a solid theoretical framework can translate into tangible energy savings in practice.

AI Implementation Demands Sustainable Action

The rise of AI-powered applications presents businesses with new challenges—particularly the training and operation of AI models, which require immense computing power. Traditional on-premises solutions often reach their limits, creating significant hurdles for IT departments.

To meet these growing demands, many companies have no choice but to install additional data centers and servers. However, this increased computational capacity comes at a cost: servers require powerful cooling systems and reliable power supplies, which strain both resources and the environment.

Cloud providers offer a solution by not only supplying the necessary infrastructure but also providing hardware specifically optimized for AI workloads. Modern cloud data centers are significantly more energy-efficient than on-premises setups and increasingly rely on renewable energy sources and innovative cooling technologies.

This enables companies to reduce the carbon footprint of their AI applications while embedding sustainability into their digital transformation strategies.

Summary

Cloud computing combines economic efficiency with environmental responsibility. It enables businesses to reduce costs, make workflows more flexible, and scale resources as needed. At the same time, the cloud minimizes hardware requirements, enhances energy efficiency, and sustainably lowers carbon emissions. As a result, it becomes a pivotal tool for driving digital transformation while actively contributing to environmental preservation.