Steve Orrin from Intel Federal advocates for a new breed of CTO to support sustainable government technology use

Federal agencies are facing a dilemma when it comes to using advanced technologies to provide exceptional digital experiences while also minimizing their environmental impact. Steve Orrin, the CTO at Intel Federal, suggests that a new kind of CTO, known as the “Sustainable CTO,” is needed to address this conflict. This Sustainable CTO would focus on promoting the use of new technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics to reduce an agency’s environmental footprint.

In a recent column on GovLoop, Orrin highlighted the importance of getting entire agencies to embrace sustainability and eco-friendly practices. He noted that there is a knowledge gap in the field of IT when it comes to sustainability, which requires education and knowledge sharing to bridge. The Sustainable CTO can play a key role in promoting sustainable practices within agencies and establishing metrics to measure the benefits of investments in sustainability.

Orrin emphasized that achieving U.S. goals of net-zero emissions by 2050 will require technical expertise, collaboration, and commitment from federal agencies. By focusing on sustainability, agencies and their technology leaders can work towards reducing their environmental impact while still providing exceptional digital experiences. With dedication and investment in sustainable practices, federal agencies can navigate the path towards net-zero emissions with diligence and determination.