Why sustainability belongs on the CIO’s agenda

Sustainability has become a defining priority for businesses worldwide, and for CIOs it is now inseparable from the technology agenda. CIOs are finding themselves at the heart of the sustainability conversation and for good reason. Digital infrastructure today is one of the largest contributors to corporate emissions, accounting for up to 45 percent of Scope 2 emissions. That staggering figure alone makes it impossible for IT to pretend it does not play a role in climate strategy.

At companies like Ansell, leaders speak to the many ways IT can contribute. Small scale efforts like reducing electronic waste matter and more advanced actions like using AI to monitor emissions or optimize processes truly advance net zero ambitions. These approaches highlight how data and analytics are powerful levers for both innovation and environmental impact.

The rise of generative AI and other energy intensive technologies creates immediate sustainability challenges, yet it also opens up opportunities. Smarter systems can drive efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and streamline operations. CIOs who balance opportunity and risk in this space can transform sustainability from a cost center into a competitive advantage.

Procurement practices are also shifting. Environmental criteria now sit alongside performance and price in RFPs. Vendors with strong sustainability and security credentials are increasingly in demand. CIOs are expected to oversee systems that capture ESG metrics, support compliance, and enhance transparency. That is where technology assurance and cybersecurity play a vital role. Without secure systems, sustainability reporting cannot be trusted, and without trusted data, sustainability strategies lose credibility.

This is where Intertek’s cybersecurity solutions align directly with the CIO sustainability agenda. Our services help organizations protect the integrity of their data, build resilience against cyber threats, and ensure the reliability of ESG reporting systems. By safeguarding digital infrastructure, we help CIOs reduce risks, maintain trust, and create the secure foundation needed for credible sustainability initiatives. Reliable data, transparent governance, and cyber resilience are not just IT goals, they are essential for building long term business growth through sustainability.

Sustainability belongs on the our agenda not as an added duty but as a strategic imperative. With the right balance of innovation, governance, and security, CIOs can lead the transformation to more responsible and resilient business models. And with Intertek’s cybersecurity expertise supporting that journey, organizations can be confident their sustainability strategies are not only effective but also protected.