Towards a Sustainable Technology Ecosystem
In an era increasingly dominated by digital tools and solutions, the question of sustainability has become a pressing concern. As construction professionals and interior designers, we are intimately aware of the impact our industry can have on the environment. It is time to apply that same level of scrutiny to the technology that has become so integral to our daily lives.
The recent The Tech We Want Online Summit, organized by the Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN), brought together a diverse array of voices to tackle this crucial issue. The event served as a rallying cry for rethinking the way we develop, deploy, and maintain technology – moving away from the unsustainable practices that have become all too common in the modern techscape.
Redefining “Sustainable Tech”
When we think of sustainable technology, certain keywords often come to mind: long-life, affordable maintenance, skilled people, resource-friendly, economical to use, renewable, regenerative. However, the reality is that much of the technology we rely on today falls short of these ideals.
Anita Gurumurthy, executive director of IT for Change, pointed out the problematic narratives that have emerged around sustainable tech, oscillating between “disaster” and “greenwashing.” She emphasized the need for a fundamental rethinking of what “development” means in the context of a finite planet.
This sentiment was echoed by Christoph Becker, professor at the University of Toronto and author of “Insolvent: How to Reorient Computing for Just Sustainability.” He stressed the urgency for systemic change, moving away from the unsustainable practices of the current “technocapitalist” framework towards a more equitable, just, and sustainable technological future.
Prioritizing People and the Planet
At the heart of this discussion lies a shift in priorities. As Renata Ávila, CEO of the Open Knowledge Foundation, eloquently stated, the tech industry has adopted a “complex, wasteful, and expensive approach to serving its purpose.” The time has come to refocus our efforts on creating technology that truly serves the needs of people and the planet.
This shift in mindset requires a deep examination of the values and principles that guide technology development. Bolaji Ayodeji, DPG Evangelist and Technical Coordinator at the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA), highlighted the importance of aligning technology with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering a “public interest” approach to innovation.
Fostering Collective Activism and Policy Intervention
Achieving this vision of sustainable technology will require a multi-pronged approach, involving both collective activism and policy intervention. Poncelet Ileleji, CEO of Jokkolabs Banjul (Open Knowledge Network Gambia), emphasized the need for “uniting technical and political efforts” to move in a more sustainable direction.
Mathieu Jacomy, assistant professor at Aalborg University and co-creator of Gephi and Hyphe, highlighted the importance of building critical mass and putting the issue of sustainable tech on the agenda of developers and decision-makers everywhere. This sentiment was echoed by Katharina Meyer, director of the Digital Infrastructure Insights Fund, who called for collective action to drive the necessary systemic changes.
Centering Maintenance and Community
One often-overlooked aspect of sustainable technology is the crucial role of maintenance. Allison Pike, co-founder of Infield, noted that in a time of “obsession for innovation and disruption,” the essential work of maintenance often goes unrecognized. Ensuring the long-term viability of our digital tools and infrastructure requires a shift in mindset and a greater emphasis on nurturing the communities that keep them alive.
Fieke Jansen, co-principal investigator at the Critical Infrastructure Lab, underscored the importance of centering community and collective care in our approach to technology. She stressed the need to move away from the extractive and exploitative models that have characterized much of the tech industry, towards more equitable and regenerative practices.
Showcasing Sustainable Tech in Action
Throughout the The Tech We Want Online Summit, a diverse array of projects and initiatives showcased the potential for a more sustainable technology ecosystem. These examples offered glimpses into the future we strive for, where tech solutions are designed with people and the planet in mind.
One such project is #semanticClimate, a toolkit developed in India to create and use semantic documents designed for interoperability. By emphasizing communal creation of dictionaries and supporting Linked Open Data, the project aims to foster a more inclusive and collaborative approach to climate-related data and knowledge.
Another inspiring initiative is TrACE.AI Seafood Traceability, a solution developed in the Philippines that leverages AI and machine learning to create an automated electronic catch documentation and traceability system for the fishing industry. This technology not only reduces data entry friction but also helps eliminate fraud, contributing to more sustainable seafood supply chains.
In Kyrgyzstan, the From Mountains to Data project is working to create an open and secure IoT infrastructure for monitoring and preventing emergencies in the country’s challenging mountainous terrain. By building low-cost weather stations and leveraging open data principles, the project demonstrates how technology can be deployed in a resource-conscious and community-driven manner.
Closing Thoughts: The Imperative of Sustainable Tech
As construction professionals and interior designers, we have a unique vantage point on the intersection of technology and sustainability. The insights and examples shared during the The Tech We Want Online Summit serve as a clarion call for a fundamental shift in the way we approach technology development and deployment.
The time has come to move beyond the unsustainable practices that have become the norm, and to embrace a new vision of technology that is truly aligned with the needs of people and the planet. By centering maintenance, community, and a deep commitment to sustainability, we can build the tech we want and the world needs.
At Local Builder London, we are committed to championing this sustainable technology revolution. We believe that by working together, we can create a future where innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, empowering communities and safeguarding our shared home.
