Cloud computing has a significant environmental impact, contributing between 3% and 4% of global emissions annually, a figure that could double by 2025. Data centers, which are essential for cloud services, are responsible for nearly 1% of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 300 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2020.

Many cloud providers are making commitments to sustainability. For instance, AWS aims to become water positive by 2030 and expects to reach 100% renewable energy by 2025. Google has already achieved carbon neutrality and plans to run on carbon-free energy 24/7 by 2030. These efforts reflect a growing trend among cloud providers to prioritize sustainability as a competitive differentiator.

Measuring and validating sustainability efforts in cloud computing is still developing as a discipline. The rapid demand for cloud services is expected to lead to the expansion of cloud facilities, which may offset sustainability gains. Additionally, concerns about greenwashing have emerged, as some companies may overstate their sustainability progress, making it essential for business leaders to scrutinize sustainability claims closely.