Green Technology 6

How can data help to reduce carbon emissions?

The sticking point in global cooperation is the immense value of a company’s data to its competitors. Businesses may understandably be reluctant to share data insights within their industry, should it enable a competitor to glean insight into its operations. However, through our experience in the energy industry, collaborative efforts such as the ODSU Forum open data platform helps provide ‘a secure, reliable and homogenous data platform across any infrastructure to enable the unique operational needs of the energy industry’1, and allows for subsea data to be shared across the industry. However, initiatives like this demonstrate the collaborative opportunities in a field full of competitors, demonstrating that businesses can work together. This platform utilises cloud-based solutions and software for the secure transfer and sharing of data, requiring businesses to have adequate IT infrastructure to make use of these initiatives. Given that tackling the climate change emergency is one of the most pressing issues of our time, cooperative initiatives like these could be immensely beneficial to all competitive sectors and help to speed up progress in reducing carbon emissions. Technological capabilities like cloudbased software and AI analytics can allow for collaborative projects that focus on improving energy efficiencies across reducing carbon footprints. The technological capabilities are not limited to a certain sector and can help all forms of business reach their goals.

A robust and secure IT network is vital

Innovation in IT is an often overlooked but integral element to successfully implementing both emerging technologies and data-driven decision making, as part of decarbonisation efforts. Previously, ISN Solutions has worked with oil and gas and exploration companies to implement a robust network infrastructure that unifies IT and operational technologies (OT) to link the capabilities of machinery and intelligent software, ensuring data insights are instantly accessible.

Combining OT and IT could also enhance a business’s ability to reduce its carbon emissions more effectively, as combining insights from both the operational and business side will be needed to action sustainable solutions, and a seamless integrated network is a reliable way to reach all relevant personnel. Cyber security concerns have led to past reluctance, certainly in ‘heavy’ industries, to link OT and IT. However, effective solutions have been implemented to minimise security risks, incorporating secure firewalls to analyse data transferred from both ends of a business and uphold network security. Linking these two areas is only one part of an ongoing initiative to create intelligent, connected operations, along with goals to improve network infrastructure, This platform utilises connectivity and increase the cloud-based solutions and implementation of software for the secure digitalisation across modern businesses. transfer and sharing of Although robust data, requiring businesses network solutions may require initial to have adequate IT investment, infrastructure to make use the impacts are enormous, not only of these initiatives. due to the potential to make more use of emerging technologies to control and reduce carbon emissions, but for improvements in worker safety and productivity too.

No easy answers

Achieving reduction goals in line with COP26 and meeting the expectations of an increasingly environmentally conscious society is the primary goal for businesses. There are many options to consider for this and embracing technological and digital developments can be instrumental. From a business standpoint, investment in IT infrastructure is something that has been necessitated for the modern way of working. By leveraging this effectively, businesses can achieve meaningful environmental progress whilst maintaining their bottom line. Investment in IT provisions is non-negotiable to stay competitive in an increasingly eco-conscious landscape. ISN Solutions is a corporate IT managed services provider with more than 20 years’ experience of partnering with energy companies.

SCOTT DAVIDSON

Managing Director ISN Solutions

isnsolutions.co.uk

1. https://www.oilandgasiq.com/ data-analytics/whitepapers/ the-open-data-platformimperative-for-the-energyindustry

SMART BUILDINGS – THE MISSING PIECE OF THE PUZZLE

The UK government plans to cut emissions in 30 million buildings with its net zero strategy. Installing low carbon heat pumps to replace gas boilers and grants for electric vehicles are among some of the suggested tactics. Yet one important piece of the puzzle was missing from the raft of proposals – smart technology, in particular smart buildings. Jamie Cameron, Director of Digital Solutions at Johnson Controls UK&I, investigates.