MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS & SUSTAINABILITY

Advanced Technologies for Sustainability

The Internet of Things (IoT) has an key role to play reducing the environmental impact of human activity. For example, sensor-enabled devices have been helping to monitor the environmental impact of cities collecting data on air quality, climate impacts, and waste generation.

According to the United Nations, globally we landfill 2.12 billion tons of waste every year so if IoT can help us redirect more of this to reuse and recycling, that can make a big difference (TheWorldCounts). Ecube Labs is a good example of how IoT can enable more environmentally preferable management of natural resources (see video). They have product that links waste and recycling bins via a network of sensors to allow for more effective and efficient management.

Ecube Labs Uses IoT for Smarter Waste Management

Case: IoT for Smart Homes and Cities to Improve Livelihoods and Reduce Energy Consumption

IoT will play a large role in the future of smart homes and cities. Smart homes consist of IoT enabled home appliances, air-conditioning/heating system, television, audio/video streaming devices, and security systems which are communicating with each other in order to provide best comfort, security and reduced energy consumption.

According to McKinsey, smarter cities can improve quality of life indicators by 20- 30%. They point to the opportunity to provide smart solutions for mobility, energy, healthcare and education. Solution areas include traffic management, air quality, public safety, smart parking, smart lightning and smart waste collection.

The figure below from McKinsey shows how the Internet of Things can connect individual devices and behaviors with larger IT infrastructure.

graphic showing benefits of smart cities empowered with internet technology

Data Visualization

Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data. By using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps, data visualization tools provide an accessible way to see and understand trends, outliers, and patterns in data. In the world of Big Data, data visualization tools and technologies are essential to analyze massive amounts of information and make data-driven decisions.

The potential for visualization in assisting environmental scientists and promoting interdisciplinary communication is a distinct and emerging field of research, supported by visualization science. Visualization applications within applied environmental research are beginning to emerge particularly within geological, climate change, sustainability and land-scape planning context.

One such example is Global Forest Watch, a global network of scientists showing how big data and visualization can raise awareness and drive policy change.

 Blockchain

A blockchain is a distributed, digital database that maintains a constantly growing list of transaction records, referred to as blocks, and in which every block contains a link to the previous block. Blockchain is also described as an open and distributed ledger that captures transaction data between parties in a permanent and verifiable way.

Each block is a packet of transaction records related to each participant in a financial transaction, or in the case of a supply chain, each stakeholder ranging from a raw material supplier to producer to wholesaler to retailer. At each stage of the journey, a new permanent block of information is created, one which cannot be altered — only read. Each block is sent to all supply chain participants to verify and is then added to the chain. 

Blockchain can enhance sustainability in a number of ways:

  • providing credible and verifiable tracking information for raw materials and products
  • lowering transaction costs
  • increased transparency and accountability

Example: Walmart Uses Blockchain for Food Sourcing Traceability

For additional use cases, see the UNEP Report “Blockchain for sustainable energy and climate in the Global South” whose cover is pictured on the right.

Report cover for Blockchain for sustainable energy and climate in the Global South: Use cases and opportunities

Learn about more sustainability concepts within this major.

ADVANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Learn what sustainable supply chain is all about and its importance

Learn the important things to know in this field

Learn how sustainability fits into your courses

Learn how sustainability relates to your career