Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable ICT: The Role of
\nFile Storage

Digitalization has been increasingly recognized for its role in addressing numerous societal
\nand environmental challenges. However, the rapid surge in data production and the widespread
\nadoption of cloud computing has resulted in an explosion of redundant, obsolete, and trivial (ROT)
\ndata within organizations’ data estates. This issue adversely affects energy consumption and carbon
\nfootprint, leading to inefficiencies and a higher environmental impact. Thus, this opinion paper
\naims to discuss the challenges and potential solutions related to the environmental impact of file
\nstorage on the cloud, aiming to address the research gap in “digital sustainability” and the Green
\nIT literature. The key findings reveal that technological issues dominate cloud computing and
\nsustainability research. Key challenges in achieving sustainable practices include the widespread lack
\nof awareness about the environmental impacts of digital activities, the complexity of implementing
\naccurate carbon accounting systems compliant with existing regulatory frameworks, and the role of
\npublic–private partnerships in developing novel solutions in emerging areas such as 6G technology.