Sustainability is important in all kinds of industries. This is especially true in construction and manufacturing where many goods are constantly being processed and moved. Many businesses are trying to find a win-win solution that both increases their sustainability and their overall production. Can a well-crafted IoT solution improve sustainability? It seems like the answer is a resounding yes.

Two years ago, World Economic Forum released its guidelines for the sustainability of the Internet of Things. It was evident that IoT had great potential in increasing sustainability if there was a responsible use of the technology. In their report, they estimated that 84% of IoT projects have the potential of addressing parts of the UN’s sustainability goals.

So, how exactly is IoT aiding businesses in increasing sustainability, and can you combine this with increased profits?

SUSTAINABILITY IN IOT – WHAT’S NEW?

The main potential in IoT, as far as how it relates to sustainability, lies in the fact that you can start measuring things that previously were difficult to quantify. Smart sensors can measure weight, tilt, temperature, pressure, humidity, gas flow, chemical reactions, vapor, surface, and much more. Everything a smart sensor can measure is used to increase the bottom line for companies in construction, manufacturing, and other industries. However, it also aids these companies in meeting their sustainability goals.

In addition to the above, smart sensors are also very robust, which eliminates the need for constant maintenance. The cost has also consistently gone down. In addition to this, they are also very power conservative. This means that you can use them for several years without changing the battery.

All in all, smart sensors are driving IoT development, and as a tool, they are inherently sustainable.

IOT LEADS TO SUSTAINABILITY IMPROVEMENTS

A well-crafted IoT solution can have many positive impacts relating to sustainability.

By having systems that can communicate and share data in an efficient manner, businesses can anticipate and plan for different scenarios and outcomes by having access to the right amount of resources when they need them. A well-crafted IoT solution increases productivity while also decreasing the number of defective units and lowering energy consumption.

The complexity of the supply chain is a natural part of a market economy. Without the staggering amount of business agreements, it would never be possible to create the products we take for granted, and it would never be possible for us to purchase them at such a low price. The complexity of the supply chain also employs a lot of people and brings revenue to both businesses and nations. However, the complexity of the supply chain also means that there are very real challenges in terms of sustainability.

As we talked about in a previous paragraph, IoT drives efficiency, and sustainability is all about efficiency. Using less fuel, materials, and spare parts leads to more than just leaner production. It also leads to less wastage and a reduced environmental footprint in the supply chain.

The lifetime of a component is an important part of sustainability. IoT systems can support a more circular economy by making it easier to repair and maintain products. An important part of what is described as the fourth industrial revolution, in which IoT is a huge part, is the rise of predictive maintenance. In short, predictive maintenance means that machinery uses sensor and machine data to predict when they need maintenance. This means that the lifetime of the machine can be increased, leading to the product becoming more sustainable.

There are yet many areas to explore in terms of how IoT solutions can support more sustainable manufacturing and construction and a more sustainable product lifetime.

IOT LEADS TO WAY TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

There can be an improvement of many aspects by implementing a sustainable IoT solution. As we have talked about in this post, most of the revenue-increasing activities that relate to IoT also lead to increased sustainability. As experts in the future of technology have stated, there is a fourth industrial revolution happening right now – and it appears to be a greener one.

Everything that we do here at Wittra is done with eco-friendliness in mind. We want to offer the best in tech and at the same time, we also want to make sure that we do our part in making the world a bit better for all of us. We understand that your business has its own sustainability goals. With the help of our tech solutions, you will be able to reach them.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE HELP OF IOT?

Wittra loves combining cutting-edge technology, efficiency, and sustainability. Reach out to us if you want to make your industry or business more sustainable. We offer gateways, routers, IoT sensors, mesh networks, 6LoWPAN solutions, and much more.