Businesses are often looking for ways to save money, increase productivity, and build a stronger reputation within the community. One way that a company can do all three is to switch to the cloud. Cloud technology is used to house documents on the internet and can be used publicly, privately with security, or as a combination of both. The technology not only leads to better efficiency and more cost savings but also helps to lessen a company's impact on the environment in several ways.

Cloud Technology Is Usually More Energy-Efficient

Companies that opt for cloud migration use less energy than those that continue to operate using physical equipment. When companies have an on-site data center, they must have a constant power supply and a cooling system that works continuously. These companies are contributing to using more than 73 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. On top of that, there's the added problem of e-waste. When equipment is no longer maintainable, it needs to be disposed of, which leads to further problems for the atmosphere, as even "safe" disposal has negative effects. Companies that switch to the cloud cut energy use by up to 87% and can see savings of nearly as much on their utility bills.

Cloud Computing Contributes to Sustainability

Switching to the cloud allows your company to contribute to sustainable dematerialization. Physical items that you use in the workplace lead to a higher carbon footprint. Companies that switch to the cloud and cut out items like scanners, printers, and fax machines reduce the amount of carbon they are putting into the atmosphere. In addition to leading to a healthier environment, it helps companies to save money. Spending less on the purchase and maintenance of outdated machines means that companies can invest more of their capital into community projects, advertising, or other business endeavors.  

Cloud Computing Allows Companies to Share Resources

Cloud computing relies on shared data centers much of the time. A large corporation may use up to 70% of the space on a cloud server, but that still leaves space for other uses. Additionally, small businesses typically only use 5-10% of the space on a server, which means a single server can often support up to 50 small businesses. When fewer data centers are necessary, less equipment is required, which leads to using fewer resources. Shared data centers are scalable as well, so if those small businesses start to grow, servers can be added as needed.  

The Cloud Saves Paper

Companies that don't use the cloud go through more paper. The employees spend more time and resources printing documents, signing them, scanning them, and so forth. Companies that rely on cloud technology don't need to print and scan as many documents, thereby saving paper and time. When documents are saved in a secure cloud online, they can be signed electronically, which means transferring them to other employees only takes a couple of clicks. Less paper means fewer trees that need to be cut down for business use, and more trees mean more oxygen for the Earth.

Cloud Technology May Lead to Indirect Environmental Benefits

Using the cloud even has an indirect positive effect on the environment. When more companies use the cloud, they make it easier for people to work remotely. People who work remotely don't spend time commuting to work, which means their vehicles use less fuel and put fewer auto emissions into the air. Outside of less driving, not having as many employees in the office also saves on electrical resources and on paper items like disposable cups and straws in the breakroom. In fact, companies that allow employees to work remotely don't need as much office space, which further conserves energy and saves the company money. 

Conclusion 

From protecting the environment to saving money, it's easy to see why millions of large corporations and small businesses are already taking advantage of cloud technology and all it has to offer. The sooner a business begins the process of migrating to the cloud, the better for all involved.