See the original #greenXR initiative posted on LinkedIn here.
This is an open call to all extended reality developers, artists, users and companies using XR to help to raise awareness of the the technology’s potential to fight the climate crisis.
More and more countries and companies realize how vital achieving net zero CO2 emissions is, pledging to become carbon neutral in the next few decades. No single technology can resolve this on its own: this is one of the biggest challenges humanity have ever faced. But I truly believe XR can help, at least a bit. And will need all the help available to reach this extremely ambitious, but all-important goal.
Travel
This terrible COVID situation highlighted the power of the virtual reality meetings. Where video conferences fail to deliver the required level of 3D interactivity and collaboration, VR meetings can close the gap and with enhanced 3D features it can even add value over the physical meeting room. Our environment is taxed with tremendous amount of CO2 by air traffic, and the global pandemic situation forced us to realize not all of those business flights are inevitable.
Prototypes
Creating prototypes and testing them is essential for any innovation. By utilizing virtual prototypes wherever possible, the process isn’t just quicker and cheaper. Not building something (physically) also means the raw materials are saved, and saving the shipping time of the parts and elements also means the implied carbon (equivalent) emissions saved.
Training
Training staff to reach high proficiency requires practice. Practicing also requires parts, raw materials, equipment, energy, etc. There are already use cases, where XR can replace these to some extent. It is safer, quicker, saves parts, raw materials and energy which not just means cost but also CO2.
Education
And last but not least, one of XR’s most powerful feature is the instant and intuitive understanding that we can gain by the immersive nature of it. A picture is worth thousand words. An interactive 3D experience worth… how many pictures? This is why education is one of hottest XR use cases. And we need to educate people about the climate crisis. Quickly.
Summary
So, you just used XR to learn about the environmental issues? Do you leverage XR for virtual prototyping or validation? Are you providing XR training to your employees? Do you hold your meetings in XR avoiding flights? Are you the one who develops these XR applications? Do you use XR in a way that facilitates a sustainable future?
Use #greenXR in social media to raise awareness of the environmental challenges we are facing and how extended reality is empowering us to make difference!
