IT Sustainability Think Tank: Distinguishing the green washers from the green winners | Computer Weekly

"At Digital Catapult we work across high-value sectors to accelerate the practical application of deep tech innovation and equip the UK to be future-ready. We do this by driving industrial decarbonisation, and recognise that a cross-sector framework is needed to achieve greater transparency, accountability, and cross-sector collaboration. This is where innovation can provide an answer, enabling businesses to distinguish the green washers from the green winners, decarbonising operations safely and sustainably, while driving industrial supply chain resilience too."

"Calculating carbon emissions is not as simple as it seems. When greenwashing meets poor carbon accounting, progress in establishing industry standards is delayed. This can erode trust in businesses, stalling sales and inhibiting economic growth. A cross-sector decarbonisation framework With global energy demand projected to rival Japan's total consumption by 2030, power is part of a bigger story. Datacentres drive water consumption, land competition, electronic waste, and noise pollution."

"The risk here, however, is that many businesses misunderstand carbon accounting or the environmental impact of their operations, prompting some to look for a quick-fix or a partnership with a company guilty of greenwashing. In the UK, large companies must disclose Scope 1 and 2, but Scope 3 reporting is largely voluntary. This loophole matters. Much of the tech sector's footprint lies in Scope 3, which come from outsourced datacentres, cloud services, and supply chains."

Digital Catapult works across high-value sectors to accelerate deep tech application and equip the UK for future readiness. Industrial decarbonisation requires a cross-sector framework to improve transparency, accountability, and collaboration. Poor carbon accounting and greenwashing delay industry standards, erode trust, and stall economic growth. Datacentres contribute to energy, water, land use, electronic waste, and noise impacts, while much of the tech sector's footprint sits in Scope 3 emissions from outsourced datacentres, cloud services, and supply chains. UK reporting mandates Scope 1 and 2 disclosure for large companies, but Scope 3 remains largely voluntary, creating a significant loophole.

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