A Dallas-based expert in cloud computing and DevOps, Friday Ugbebor, in this interview with Gbenga Oketola,  speaks on the roles cloud computing will play in building a more sustainable world. Excerpts:

With your extensive experience in cloud computing and DevOps, we’re excited to hear your insights on how cloud migration contributes to sustainability. Let’s start with the basics. How would you define cloud migration, and why has it become such a priority for organisations globally?

Cloud migration is essentially the process of moving an organization’s digital assets—applications, data, and IT infrastructure—from on-premises data centers to cloud-based platforms. It has gained momentum because of its undeniable benefits, such as scalability, cost-efficiency, and enhanced operational flexibility. But today, we’re seeing a new dimension: its potential to support sustainability goals. Organizations are beginning to recognize that cloud migration is not just a technical decision but a strategic move to improve environmental performance.

That’s fascinating. Can you elaborate on how cloud migration reduces the environmental footprint of IT operations?

Certainly. Traditional on-premises data centers are notoriously resource-intensive. They require constant power and cooling, which not only drives up costs but also contributes significantly to carbon emissions. In contrast, cloud service providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud operate large-scale data centers that are designed for efficiency. These providers invest heavily in energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and advanced cooling systems, which collectively reduce the carbon footprint per workload. By migrating to the cloud, organizations tap into this optimized infrastructure and contribute to a more sustainable IT ecosystem.

That’s a strong case for the cloud. Could you give us some specific examples of how cloud providers promote sustainability?

 Absolutely. Let’s take Amazon Web Services (AWS) as an example. AWS has committed to achieving 100% renewable energy usage for its global infrastructure by 2025. Similarly, Google Cloud has been carbon-neutral since 2007 and is aiming for carbon-free energy 24/7 by 2030. These providers are also leaders in innovative solutions like liquid cooling and energy-efficient processors. Microsoft, through its Azure platform, goes a step further with initiatives like the “Carbon Negative” goal for 2030, where they aim to remove all the carbon they’ve emitted since the company’s founding. Such advancements create a ripple effect. When organizations migrate to these platforms, they indirectly support these providers’ sustainability initiatives and help scale the impact of greener IT practices.

That’s inspiring. But what about the migration process itself? Does moving to the cloud have any environmental costs?

 That’s a great question. The migration process can be resource-intensive in the short term. Data transfer, infrastructure setup, and testing can increase energy consumption temporarily. However, these are one-time costs, and the long-term gains far outweigh them. To mitigate this, organizations can adopt phased migration strategies and optimize their workloads for cloud environments during the transition. By doing so, they ensure the sustainability benefits of the cloud are realized as quickly as possible.

You mentioned workload optimization. How does this tie into sustainability?

 Workload optimization is critical. In traditional setups, resources are often underutilized because IT teams tend to over-provision to handle peak demands. The cloud changes this paradigm by enabling dynamic scaling—allocating only the resources needed at any given time. This eliminates waste and significantly improves energy efficiency. Moreover, modern cloud platforms provide tools to monitor and optimize resource usage, such as AWS’s Compute Optimizer or Azure’s Advisor. By leveraging these tools, organizations can maximize efficiency and minimize their environmental impact.

Let’s talk about DevOps, your area of expertise. How do DevOps practices intersect with sustainability in the cloud?

DevOps emphasizes automation, continuous delivery, and iterative improvement—principles that align perfectly with sustainable IT practices. For instance, automating cloud infrastructure provisioning ensures that resources are spun up and down based on real-time demand, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Containerization, a core DevOps practice, also plays a role. Technologies like Kubernetes enable efficient resource sharing and reduce the overhead of running multiple applications. These efficiencies, when scaled across hundreds or thousands of workloads, contribute significantly to sustainability.

 How does cloud migration contribute to broader corporate sustainability goals beyond IT?

Cloud migration aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives, which are becoming central to corporate strategies. By moving to the cloud, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, a key metric in environmental sustainability. Additionally, cloud platforms provide advanced analytics tools that can support broader sustainability initiatives, such as supply chain optimization, energy consumption monitoring, and waste reduction. The ripple effect is that IT becomes a driver of sustainability across the entire organization.

Are there any risks or challenges organizations should be aware of when aiming for greener IT through cloud migration?

Certainly. One challenge is the potential for “cloud sprawl,” where organizations overuse cloud resources due to lack of proper governance. This can offset the environmental benefits. To address this, it’s essential to implement robust monitoring and cost-management practices. Another risk is the digital divide. While major corporations can afford to migrate, smaller organizations or those in developing regions may face barriers, such as costs or lack of technical expertise. Cloud providers and governments need to collaborate to make sustainable cloud solutions accessible to all.

How do you see the future of cloud computing and sustainability evolving?

The future is promising. We’re moving toward a world where cloud computing will be not only more efficient but also more sustainable. Innovations in areas like edge computing and green AI are already paving the way. Edge computing reduces the need to transfer large amounts of data to centralized cloud servers, saving energy. Meanwhile, green AI focuses on making machine learning models more energy-efficient. I also foresee greater transparency from cloud providers regarding their sustainability metrics, empowering organizations to make informed decisions.

Finally, what advice would you give organizations looking to leverage cloud migration for sustainability?

My advice would be to approach cloud migration as a strategic initiative rather than just a technical upgrade. Start by understanding your current carbon footprint and setting clear sustainability goals. Partner with a cloud provider whose values align with yours, and leverage their tools to optimize your workloads for efficiency. Most importantly, view sustainability as an ongoing journey. Continuously monitor your impact, refine your processes, and innovate wherever possible. The cloud is not just a tool for business growth—it’s a platform for creating a more sustainable future.