Technology and sustainability are not topics people usually think are related. After all, many contemporary environmental concerns are linked to the production, power reliance, and improper disposal of various technologies. But not all technology is created equally, and efforts are being made to reduce and mitigate environmental impact and address other environmental issues with IoT technology. It begs the question: what are some of the roles IoT can play in sustainability?
Air quality sensors allow factories and other interested parties to monitor air quality for upticks in pollution. These alerts provide an opportunity for direct response, helping identify potential causes of decreased air quality, and promoting preventative action.
Logistics management systems also help reduce air pollution by equipping operators and drivers alike to optimize travel. This technology helps identify the quickest route between point A and point B, reducing not only travel time but fuel consumption and emissions as well.
Smart energy management systems reduce the energy consumed by lighting and HVAC systems by automatically responding to temperature changes, natural lighting, or unoccupied spaces. Some also provide data for electricity companies to anticipate what will be needed when and where.
An often overlooked element of sustainability lies within the agricultural sphere. Farming is necessary to provide food, but certain patterns of farming can have a harmful environmental impact. Smart agriculture serves to help farmers increase output by allowing them to monitor and respond to crop and soil conditions, but it also helps inform decisions on where to plant and when.
Sensor-enabled dumpsters are currently being used to manage waste by alerting collection companies when the bin is either full or at risk of becoming a health hazard due to temperature or other weather conditions. This helps prevent disease, reduce emissions, and ensure that waste is disposed of properly.
Of course, that doesn’t mean waste shouldn’t be wholly reduced where possible. Asset tracking technology, in particular, can help on multiple fronts. Firstly, it can help companies better keep track of and utilize materials and make it easier to implement recycling practices. Further, asset tracking can be used to reduce in-transit food waste by monitoring temperature conditions with cold-chain monitoring.
Here at Link Labs, sustainability is a priority. With solutions for waste variance, cold chain monitoring, pallet tracking, and more, we want to help you reach your sustainability goals without breaking the bank. Book a demo to learn how our solutions can work for you.