IoT climate reporting solutions aimed at improving sustainability will increasingly be powered by satellite connectivity.
IoT climate reporting solutions rely on big data with satellite connectivity the key to harnessing the full potential of IoT solutions focused on improving sustainability. A new report from Inmarsat found that just over a third of respondents (36 per cent) currently rely on satellite networks for IoT connectivity. However, satellite is set to become the most popular method of connectivity over the next decade, with half expecting to use it within this timeframe.
The findings come from a new global, independent research report commissioned by the company. It explores the views of over 1,000 senior technology and ESG decision-makers across agriculture, mining, transport, utilities and oil & gas firms. The survey asked professionals about their perceptions on ESG and whether they believed data provided by ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) solutions could help improve reporting transparency.
IoT-enabled data is not the only way satellite technology can help improve environmental outcomes. Inmarsat’s recent ‘Can Space Help Save the Planet?’ report revealed that the world could reach Net Zero by 2040 – ten years ahead of schedule – by accelerating the adoption of space and satellite technologies.
Networks such as Inmarsat ELERA are central to this, providing ultra-reliable global connectivity which allows data sharing in industries like agriculture, electrical utilities, mining, oil and gas, and transport.
“You cannot manage what you cannot measure, so it is heartening to see so many organisations looking to IoT to assess and improve ESG reporting,” said Jat Brainch, chief commercial and product officer, Inmarsat. “IoT is nothing without connectivity. Yet terrestrial coverage often cannot reach the remote locations where our most valuable data points frequently originate. By using satellites to close that connectivity gap, organisations can access data to make the right decisions right away. We need to make the most of that opportunity if we are to achieve Net Zero quickly.”
David Hill, executive director, IoT Community, said: “Connected IoT solutions are the key to sourcing, analysing and sharing aggregate ESG data in a compliant and secure way. The same way we use wearable devices to measure our personal health, businesses should rely on IoT solutions more to monitor progress, reduce costs, improve safety and maximise sustainability. Robust data will back up their ESG claims and can be used for reporting across all areas of their operations, particularly in remote locations with challenging conditions.
“To achieve true success, we must shift our mindset with regards to data sharing and connectivity. Once businesses become comfortable sharing their ESG insights to improve broader industry reporting and benchmarking and prioritise satellite connectivity as a key enabler, will we start to see real progress on sustainability.”
Following calls from the UN Secretary General, Anthony Guterres, for businesses to put forward “credible and transparent transition plans on how to achieve net-zero” at Davos this month, the research is particularly timely, highlighting the potential for satellite-enabled IoT solutions to improve ESG reporting and sustainability outcomes as we strive to reach Net Zero targets over the coming years.
