The Role of IT in Advancing Sustainable Practices Across Science and Engineering

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of emerging information technologies (IT) in promoting sustainability within science and engineering disciplines. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 200 professionals and conducted 30 in-depth interviews across multiple sectors. Quantitative results indicate strong effectiveness: AI-driven solutions achieved a mean effectiveness score of 3.18/4.0 for improving resource efficiency, IoT systems scored 3.08/4.0 for optimizing energy consumption, and blockchain applications scored 2.95/4.0 for supply chain transparency. Despite a significant initial investment (mean 3.20/4.0), 85% of respondents reported long-term cost savings through operational efficiencies. Qualitative analysis revealed six primary barriers: high implementation costs, skills gaps, regulatory fragmentation, system integration challenges, data security concerns, and rapid technological obsolescence. Applying the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, we find that organizational readiness and supportive policy environments are critical success factors. Financial analysis demonstrates a 3.2-year average payback period for IT sustainability investments, with predictive maintenance reducing operational costs by 22%. The study concludes that while IT solutions demonstrate measurable sustainability benefits, maximizing impact requires strategic alignment of technological capabilities with organizational capacity and harmonized regulatory frameworks.