The invisible digital landfill: Why data sustainability is becoming a business issue

When we talk about green IT, most of us think about e-waste.

Discarded laptops. Old smartphones. Servers. Hardware recycling. Circular economy.

But what about all the data we collect, process and store - but rarely or never use again?

The forgotten files. Duplicate documents. Old presentations. Archived emails. Data stored “just in case”.

This is what experts refer to as dark data, forever data or ROT data (redundant, obsolete and trivial data).

And the challenge is growing rapidly.

Because digital transformation also has a material footprint.

Data - the modern-day landfill

As AI, cloud computing and digital technologies become increasingly integrated into business operations, the amount of stored and processed data continues to grow exponentially.

Estimates suggest that up to 55% of organisational data may be dark data, while some studies indicate that as much as 88% of stored company data can become irrelevant over time.

At the same time, companies globally generate enormous volumes of unused data every single day - contributing to millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

Data is becoming the modern-day landfill. 

Which is why digital growth is also becoming a matter of digital responsibility and sustainability.

Greener digital behaviour in practice

“The problem isn’t just the data we create. It’s the data we never delete,” explains Lisa Holm, IT Sustainability Lead at Arla Foods.

At Arla Foods, Lisa Holm leads the company’s ongoing journey towards greener IT and supports the organisation’s broader ambition of creating a “Digital Transformation for Good”.

Over the past years, she has worked to put greener digital behaviours on the agenda across the IT landscape - from employees and ambassadors to vendors and business partners.

At the miniconference, “Ethical AI and Digital Sustainability”, Lisa Holm will share practical insights into how companies can start addressing their digital footprint in practice.

Among other things, she will explore:

• How organisations can reduce unnecessary data storage and improve data hygiene 
• How greener digital practices can reduce costs and strengthen climate performance
• And how employee engagement can help drive digital transformation for good

Get more inspiration and “how-to” insights at miniconference 22 May

Want to learn more about how companies can create digital value and impact – responsibly and sustainably?

Then join the miniconference Ethical AI & Digital Sustainability on 22 May - in Copenhagen or online

The event will give practical insights and concrete inspiration from:

• Tania Ellis, trend strategist at The Social Business Company, who will explore emerging trends and dilemmas related to AI, data and digital responsibility
   
• Birgitte Kofod Olsen, specialist advisor on digital responsibility, human rights and regulation, who will share perspectives on AI ethics, compliance and governance
   
• Astrid Haug, tech & ESG strategist, who will explore the impact of AI on ESG, work life and digital sovereignty
   
• Lisa Holm, IT Sustainability Lead at Arla Foods, who will share the business case and practical how-to’s of digital sustainability in practice

Throughout the programme, we will discuss, network and exchange perspectives on how businesses can turn digital responsibility into a driver of both business performance and societal impact.