In a world where sustainability has become more than just a goal, an imperative for the future, companies are challenged to find the right balance between innovation, responsibility, and performance. NTT DATA places sustainability at the heart of its global strategy, from reducing its carbon footprint and optimizing data centers to developing technological solutions that help both organizations and individuals make more conscious choices. Dragoș Cățoiu, VP, Head of Direct Business at NTT DATA, shares how sustainability is evolving into a daily mindset and the role that leadership, technology, and education play in building a more sustainable digital and business ecosystem.
How do you define sustainability in your personal and professional life?
Sustainability is about thinking ahead, how the things we do today impact tomorrow. Personally, it means being conscious of how my actions affect the world around me, from the environment to the people I interact with. Professionally, it’s about making decisions that create long-term value, not just quick wins, and building a sustainable culture, teams, and projects that can stand the test of time. To me, sustainability isn’t just a trend or a buzzword. It’s a practical mindset that shapes how I live and work every day.
How does NTT DATA approach sustainability within its operations and projects?
NTT DATA takes a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating it into our global strategy across three pillars: Planet Positive, Prosperity Positive, and People Positive. We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with our data centers targeting net-zero by 2030. This commitment is supported by initiatives such as AI-driven cooling systems, the use of renewable energy, and green software development practices.
In what ways can technology and data analytics help companies and individuals make more sustainable choices?
Technology and data analytics are powerful enablers of sustainability, turning ambition into measurable impact. At NTT DATA, we believe that technological innovation and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand. Our mission is to accelerate our clients’ success while creating a positive impact on society through responsible innovation.
For companies, data analytics helps turn sustainability from a vague goal into a strategic, actionable framework. It enables organizations to monitor and optimize key environmental metrics such as energy consumption, emissions, water usage, and supply chain efficiency. Advanced platforms and tools help businesses automate ESG reporting, visualize greenhouse gas emissions, track progress toward net-zero goals, and improve process efficiency, thereby reducing environmental impact by optimizing energy use, water consumption, supply chain efficiency, mobility, and more.
For example, NTT DATA’s C-Turtle platform provides real-time visualization of emissions across the supply chain, helping organizations to identify reduction opportunities and engage partners in decarbonization efforts. Our Corporate Sustainability Services further support clients in designing ESG data models, implementing reporting platforms, and achieving superior ESG performance that goes beyond regulatory compliance. We also offer specialized solutions such as Maverick for EV charging and mobility optimization, Origami for water management and conservation, swAlert for early warning of contamination, and blockchain-based traceability tools to enhance transparency across value chains.
For individuals, technology empowers informed, eco-conscious decisions. Smart apps and platforms can help users calculate their personal carbon footprint, identify key sources of emissions, and adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing energy use at home, minimizing food waste, or choosing greener transportation options.
Can you share an example of a project at NTT DATA that promotes environmental responsibility or efficiency?
Data lies at the heart of our digital age, and data centers have a significant environmental footprint, an impact that could increase dramatically with the rapid growth of generative AI. This makes sustainability initiatives in data centers more crucial than ever. At NTT, our Global Data Centers Unit has developed a holistic decarbonization framework with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.
A standout example is our Berlin Data Center, which repurposes 2MW of waste heat to supply heating and hot water to over 1,000 buildings, with plans to scale up to 37MW. Other examples come from UK Operations, where we save 35,000 m³ of water annually through reverse osmosis systems. Meanwhile, at the Navi Mumbai data center, we have improved energy efficiency by nearly 30% by deploying liquid immersion cooling (LIC) and direct contact liquid cooling (DLC) technologies. These initiatives demonstrate how innovative solutions can deliver tangible environmental impact while supporting the growing demand for data.
What do you see as the biggest obstacles for companies in Romania trying to integrate sustainable practices?
The main barriers are mindset, cost perception, and cultural inertia. Many companies still see sustainability as a financial burden rather than a strategic investment. Legacy business models and traditional leadership styles often resist the shift toward long-term, purpose-driven transformation.
Uncertainty around global priorities adds further complexity, sustainability may be a top agenda item one day and sidelined the next. For organizations that haven’t started their sustainability journey, unclear direction and lack of internal capabilities make progress even more challenging. Nevertheless, fostering the right culture and leadership is essential for resilience and long-term competitiveness.
How do you believe public figures and business leaders can influence sustainability awareness among their communities?
Public figures and business leaders have a unique ability to shape public perception and drive meaningful action. When they advocate for sustainability through authentic actions, not just words, they build trust and inspire others to follow. At NTT DATA, our leadership places sustainability at the heart of our strategy. This commitment is reflected in how we operate, innovate, and engage with clients. We have seen how visible leadership and empowered internal champions can accelerate adoption and create a ripple effect across teams and communities. Ultimately, leaders who lead by example are among the most effective at embedding sustainability into everyday decisions and long-term thinking.
What role do you see NTT DATA playing in shaping a more sustainable digital and business ecosystem in the next 5-10 years?
NTT DATA is committed to shaping a more sustainable digital and business ecosystem over the next 5–10 years. Guided by our vision to drive sustainable growth and create positive societal impact through innovation, we help clients succeed through sustainable transformation. Our sustainability approach is anchored in three strategic pillars: regenerating the planet, transforming businesses and society by embedding sustainability into services and solutions, and shaping a better world, and it is supported by a dynamic five-pillar value proposition, including Climate and Nature Services, Corporate Sustainability Services, Sustainable Value Chain Services, Sustainable IT Services, and Smart in Sustainability.
By leading by example, we are embedding sustainability across our organization and staying on track to meet our Net Zero targets by 2030, 2035, and 2040. We are making significant investments to address sustainability challenges for both ourselves and our clients. Over the next decade, we will accelerate the green transition by:
Driving digital decarbonization and net-zero strategies
Scaling green IT and low-carbon infrastructure
Delivering solutions for complex environmental and societal challenges
Leveraging AI, IoT, and data to optimize resource use across ecosystems
Through this integrated approach, NTT DATA will continue to be a trusted partner in building a more resilient and sustainable future.
If you could launch one large-scale sustainability initiative through NTT DATA, what would it be and why?
While our focus is primarily on sustainable business ecosystems, green digital transformation, and the environmental dimension of sustainability, I would like to highlight a flagship initiative developed by NTT DATA Romania: Digital Jungle. While it is not focused on environmental sustainability in the traditional sense, it addresses a critical dimension of sustainability: digital responsibility and education. Digital Jungle is an interactive educational program that equips children, teenagers, parents, and teachers with the tools to navigate the online world safely. It covers cybersecurity basics (passwords, privacy, digital reputation), cyberbullying prevention, recognizing fake news and online manipulation, and promotes safe digital behavior tailored to different age groups. The program has already reached over 5,000 students in Cluj, Sibiu, and Brașov, in partnership with local school inspectorates and police departments, and it was awarded the Popular Vote at the 12th NTT Sustainability Conference in May 2025. This is one initiative I would proudly scale further.
Sustainability is not just a set of initiatives or targets; it’s a mindset that shapes every choice we make. Whether through innovative technologies, responsible business practices, or educating the next generation, our actions today define the world of tomorrow. At NTT DATA, we are committed to leading by example, creating solutions that deliver lasting value for people, communities, and the planet. By embedding sustainability into everything we do, we hope to inspire others to take meaningful action and to build a future that is resilient, inclusive, and truly sustainable.
Credit foto: NTT Data
