Sustainability in the tech, media, and telecoms sectors is rapidly evolving, and companies in these industries will need to stay ahead of emerging trends to remain competitive and compliant.

As the UK continues its push for net zero emissions, we can expect several key trends to shape the future of sustainability in these sectors.

One notable trend is the increasing reliance on green energy. Many tech and media companies are already moving toward renewable energy sources to power data centres, and this shift is expected to accelerate(1). As the demand for digital services grows, the pressure on these companies to adopt renewable energy sources will intensify. Companies that invest in clean energy now will not only reduce their carbon footprint but will also position themselves as industry leaders in sustainability.

Another trend is the adoption of circular economy principles. The rapid pace of technological innovation has led to an explosion I n electronic waste, a major environmental challenge.

In response, companies in the tech sector are exploring ways to design products with longer lifespans, improve product repairability, and establish better recycling programs. The growth of refurbished devices and recycling programmes is expected to become more common as part of a broader effort to reduce e-waste(2).

The shift to 5G in the telecoms industry is also an area where sustainability can play a big role. While 5G promises faster speeds and greater connectivity, it also raises concerns about energy use(3).

As the rollout continues, companies will need to ensure that their infrastructure is as energy-efficient as possible, using the latest technologies to reduce power consumption and minimise the carbon footprint.

Finally, as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)  becomes an increasingly important focus for investors and consumers, businesses in tech, media, and telecoms will need to invest in more sustainable practices(4).

Companies that focus on long-term environmental goals and implement measurable sustainability strategies will not only be better positioned to meet regulatory requirements but will also enjoy stronger customer loyalty and enhanced brand reputation.

The future of sustainability in these industries will be defined by innovation, efficiency, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Bibliography

1Solar-powered data centres: Combat your energy consumption (Accessed May 2025) https://lowcarbonenergy.co/news/solar-powered-data-centres/

2 Building a digital circular economy (Accessed May 2025) https://www.ukri.org/blog/building-a-digital-circular-economy/

3 A greener future (Accessed May 2025) https://www.ericsson.com/en/about-us/company-facts/ericsson-worldwide/united-kingdom/uk-analysis-mason-report/a-greener-future

4 ESG in Technology, Media & Telecommunications (Accessed May 2025) https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/Industries/tmt/perspectives/esg-in-tmt-driving-value-through-sustainability.html