Federal agencies will need a new type of chief technology officer to resolve the conflict between an increasing reliance on advanced technology to deliver great digital experiences and the heavy environmental toll that comes with their use, according to Intel Federal CTO Steve Olin.
To achieve this goal, this new type of CTO, dubbed the “sustainable CTO” in a recently released Intel report, could promote the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics and implement a variety of other strategies to reduce the agency’s environmental impact, Olin wrote in a column published in GovLoop on Tuesday.
Additionally, a sustainable CTO can work to get the entire organization to embrace sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Orrin noted that senior IT leaders say there is a knowledge gap on such practices in the field that requires education and knowledge sharing to close.
CTOs can also work to establish metrics that show the benefits of sustainability investments and sustainability-related practices. Olin says existing technology is already generating data that can help CTOs drive performance and efficiency.
Fostering the sustainable use of advanced technologies is especially important given the U.S. goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. For Olin, achieving that goal requires technical expertise, collaboration and commitment.
“With dedication, investment and an unwavering focus on sustainability, federal agencies and their technology leaders are ready to move forward on the path to net-zero emissions with enthusiasm and determination,” Olin said.
