The public sector is undergoing a major technology transformation. But while modernization often focuses on speed, scalability, and user experience, there’s another priority rising fast through the ranks: sustainability. From local government agencies to federal departments, organizations are rethinking how their IT strategies impact the planet and their budgets.
Sustainable IT has emerged as a strategic imperative, not just for environmental reasons, but also for cost control, regulatory alignment, future-proofing critical services, and enabling accessibility for all. As climate targets tighten and digital demand accelerates, public sector leaders have a rare opportunity to shape long-term infrastructure that’s innovative, responsible, and inclusive.
In this post, we’ll unpack what “sustainable IT” really means, explore why it’s especially critical for the public sector, and examine five of the most impactful sustainable IT trends we’re seeing today.
What Is Sustainable IT?
Sustainable IT refers to the practice of designing, deploying, and managing technology in ways that reduce environmental impact and support long-term operational efficiency. It includes:
- Reducing energy consumption in data centers and facilities.
- Optimizing infrastructure to minimize waste.
- Sourcing hardware from environmentally responsible suppliers.
- Using software and automation to extend the lifecycle of devices.
But sustainable IT isn’t just about environmental wins. Done right, it also drives down costs and aligns with the increasing public and political pressure to model responsible stewardship.
Sheryl Moore, Director of Global Sustainability at Converge, has seen this shift firsthand: “Originally it was all about price. Now it’s, how long will it last? What’s the warranty? What’s the repair system? How sustainable is this product, really?” That evolving mindset is pushing agencies to think beyond upfront cost and toward long-term value.
Why Are Sustainable IT Solutions Important for the Public Sector?
Public sector organizations are uniquely positioned—and increasingly expected—to lead by example when it comes to sustainability. With vast infrastructure, wide-reaching influence, and public trust at stake, sustainable IT needs to be foundational.
As Moore puts it, “Ask yourself: what do you want to stand for? Sustainability should link with your values. Otherwise, it’s just noise.” That values-driven lens is especially relevant in the public sector, where agencies are held to high standards of accountability and transparency.
Your IT infrastructure also needs to be pragmatic. The public sector faces enormous budget pressure, yet is tasked with delivering essential services with resilience and accessibility. By embedding sustainable IT solutions, agencies can achieve operational efficiencies while making measurable progress toward environmental and social goals.
Here’s why it matters:
- Public Accountability: Governments and agencies are under constant scrutiny. Implementing sustainable IT solutions demonstrates fiscal responsibility and environmental leadership.
- Budget Efficiency: Energy savings, streamlined operations, and smart procurement all contribute to long-term cost reduction—a win for both taxpayers and internal budgets.
- Regulatory Compliance: Sustainability mandates and emissions targets are becoming more common across local, state, and federal levels. Sustainable IT can help meet those requirements.
- Mission Alignment: From education to public safety, every public sector mission depends on reliable technology. Sustainability ensures that systems stay future-proof and resource-efficient.
>> Related Read – The Sustainability Question
Examples of Sustainable IT Trends in the Public Sector
Sustainable IT is a set of interlocking practices that build a more efficient, environmentally conscious foundation for technology. From advanced energy management to smart sourcing strategies, here are five sustainable IT trends shaping the public sector today.
These practices not only shrink carbon footprints, but also strengthen digital resilience and service quality across the board.
Cloud Computing
Migrating to the cloud can dramatically reduce physical infrastructure requirements, leading to lower energy use, space demands, and emissions. Cloud platforms also allow for dynamic scaling. Resources are provisioned only as needed, which in turn prevents overuse and waste.
Many public sector organizations are embracing hybrid or multi-cloud strategies to strike the right balance between flexibility, security, and sustainability.
>> Related Read – The Hybrid Work Revolution: Transforming the Future Workplace
Energy Management
Data centers and IT operations are major energy consumers. New tools make it easier to monitor, manage, and optimize power usage across IT environments. From server consolidation to smart cooling technologies, public agencies are finding creative ways to cut consumption without compromising performance.
According to Energy Star, energy use is the single largest operating expense in U.S. commercial office buildings. It represents about a third of an enterprise’s typical operating budget and accounts for nearly 20% of the nation’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Star also estimates that buildings may waste up to one-third of the energy they consume.
Liquid cooling systems, for example, are gaining traction as an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air-cooled systems.
>> Related Read – Carbon, Costs and Computation: The Compelling Case for Liquid Cooling
Renewable Energy
Forward-thinking municipalities and agencies are actively sourcing renewable energy to power IT infrastructure. Whether through direct investments in solar and wind or by selecting colocation providers that run on clean energy, the trend is clear: power your digital operations without burning more fossil fuels.
This also aligns with larger smart city and decarbonization efforts already underway in many jurisdictions. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of 2021, 29% of the world’s energy consumption is already fueled by renewable sources.
Sustainable Sourcing
Procurement is a powerful lever. By partnering with vendors who prioritize recycled materials, ethical labor practices, and eco-friendly packaging, public sector IT leaders can make a meaningful impact.
Green procurement policies are being updated to include new criteria around emissions, circular economy principles, and product lifecycle assessments.
Artificial Intelligence
AI and machine learning are finally becoming more than just buzzwords. They’ve become critical tools for sustainability. Agencies are using AI to forecast energy usage, automate maintenance, and even optimize traffic patterns to reduce emissions. AI can also support smarter workload distribution to help organizations reduce energy waste during off-peak hours.
Global emissions from cloud computing range from 2.5% to 3.7% of all greenhouse gas emissions, exceeding even those from commercial flights. With AI and cloud-powered tools playing an increasingly central role, improving efficiency and reducing digital waste has never been more urgent.
At the same time, AI is unlocking more inclusive experiences by improving accessibility for people with visual, cognitive, and physical disabilities. From screen readers to adaptive interfaces, AI-driven innovations are helping individuals with disabilities interact more easily with digital content and the physical world.
>> Related Read – Top 5 AI Adoption Challenges for 2025: Overcoming Barriers to Success
Your Path to Tech Sustainability Starts Here
The journey to sustainable IT doesn’t have to be daunting. Start small. Audit your current environment. Identify quick wins like server consolidation, printer rationalization, or switching to energy-efficient devices.
Then, build from there. Align stakeholders across departments. Set realistic targets. Create feedback loops to measure and improve progress over time. Moore emphasizes that agencies don’t need a high-tech overhaul to get started: “Even Excel can be a starting point. You don’t need new systems to start measuring and making progress.” The key is to begin with visibility, then scale from there.
Most importantly, don’t go it alone. Work with vendors and partners who understand public sector constraints and can help embed sustainability into long-term transformation plans.
At Converge, we believe that sustainable IT isn’t a tradeoff, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to reduce costs, extend the value of your investments, and make a positive impact on the world your agency serves.
>> Ready to make sustainability a core part of your IT strategy? Explore our Sustainability Framework and see how Converge can help you put it into practice.
