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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM66162
Volume:
10 |
7 |
Jul 2026
Pages:
1-10
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
MBA Student
Vidya Vikas Institute of engineering and technology, Mysuru
Assistant Professor
Vidya Vikas Institute of engineering and technology, Mysuru
Digi`tal transformation has become a key driver of growth and innovation in modern businesses by integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics, and automation into business operations. These technologies have improved operational efficiency, productivity, customer experience, and decision-making while also supporting environmental sustainability through paperless operations, remote working, smart resource management, and efficient monitoring of environmental performance. However, the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure has also raised environmental concerns, including increased electricity consumption, carbon emissions, electronic waste generation, and excessive use of natural resources. This study aims to examine the environmental impact of digital transformation in modern businesses by evaluating both its positive and negative effects on environmental sustainability. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 62 respondents using a structured questionnaire through convenience sampling, while secondary data were gathered from journals, books, research articles, and published reports. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, ANOVA, and SPSS software. The findings indicate that most organizations have widely adopted cloud computing, digital documentation, automation, and hybrid working models, which have reduced paper consumption, improved resource utilization, and enhanced environmental monitoring. Respondents also agreed that digital technologies help organizations track sustainability performance and improve operational efficiency. At the same time, the study found that the increasing use of digital systems, cloud services, and data centers has significantly increased electricity consumption and contributes to environmental challenges such as carbon emissions and electronic waste. The study concludes that digital transformation has both beneficial and adverse environmental impacts and that sustainable digital practices are essential for achieving long-term environmental and business goals. Organizations should adopt Green Information Technology (Green IT), renewable energy sources, energy-efficient digital infrastructure, and effective e-waste management practices to maximize the environmental benefits of digital transformation while minimizing its ecological footprint. Such an approach will enable businesses to achieve sustainable growth and contribute to global environmental sustainability.
KEYWORDS
The findings of this research indicate that digital transformation has fundamentally changed the way modern businesses operate. Organizations are increasingly adopting cloud computing, automation, artificial intelligence, digital documentation, and remote working practices to improve operational efficiency and business performance. These technologies contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption, optimizing supply chains, improving resource utilization, and supporting data-driven environmental monitoring. However, the study also reveals that digital transformation is not entirely environmentally friendly. The growing demand for cloud services, data centers, artificial intelligence, and online platforms requires substantial electricity consumption, increasing greenhouse gas emissions where renewable energy sources are not utilized. Additionally, rapid technological advancements contribute to electronic waste generation and increased extraction of natural resources such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals. The research demonstrates that digital transformation creates both opportunities and challenges for environmental sustainability. While digital technologies enable organizations to achieve greater efficiency and reduce certain forms of environmental impact, they simultaneously introduce new ecological pressures that cannot be ignored. The study therefore concludes that sustainable digital transformation requires a balanced approach in which organizations integrate environmental responsibility into every stage of digital adoption. Investment in renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, circular economy practices, and responsible electronic waste management will enable businesses to maximize the environmental benefits of digital transformation while minimizing its negative consequences. In the future, organizations that successfully combine digital innovation with environmental sustainability will be better positioned to achieve long-term competitive advantage and sustainable growth.
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Publication Date
7/18/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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