New EA governance structures
Governance principles regarding how to measure architectural designs for ESG and responsible AI and who EA engages to report on governance decisions must also change. During an architecture review, architects and engineers should consider the sustainable impacts (both positive and negative) that each option provides. The EA competency needs to become proficient in understating the sustainable IT standards taxonomy and how to effectively assess, research and vet technology/solution options for their ability to achieve positive business outcomes while ensuring they meet sustainability goals.
Capturing the pros and cons of the recommended options and the decision records of what was voted on and agreed to and by whom will be critical for traceability. These records tracked metrics on cost reduction, technology currency, service reuse, security compliance and adherence to data principles. New key metrics to capture include:
- Alignment with strategic goals. Measures how architecture initiatives support business transformation goals, sustainability targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Compliance and governance. Regulatory compliance ensures that architecture designs comply with industry standards and regulations, including GDPR, HIPAA or ESG frameworks. This should include new ISO standards.
- Technology alignment and rationalization
- Technology debt reduction. Measures progress in reducing outdated or redundant technology systems.
- Standardization and integration. Assesses adherence to technology standards, including cloud migration, integration with legacy systems and enterprise-wide IT solutions.
- Cost and resource optimization
- Cost efficiency. Tracks cost savings from architecture initiatives, such as through optimization of IT infrastructure, cloud usage, or vendor management.
- Resource utilization. Measures the efficient use of infrastructure, personnel and technology to maximize output and minimize waste.
- Innovation and future-readiness
- Scalability, flexibility and accessibility. Assesses the adaptability of the architecture to future business needs and technology evolution.
- Sustainability metrics
- Sustainable IT. Tracks initiatives tied to energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction and green IT practices.
- ESG compliance. Ensures architecture projects align with ESG goals set by the organization.
These metrics ensure that an architecture review board maintains oversight on critical architectural decisions, aligning technology with business goals, cost efficiency and regulatory standards while also enabling sustainable, future-ready IT environments. In the past, decision records went directly to the CIO, CDO and CISO as well as the business partner and executives owning the line of business. Now, at least quarterly, if not monthly, updates would flow to the traditional IT leadership but include the chief compliance officer, chief data officer, chief risk officer, chief sustainability officer and potentially other C-level executives with ESG oversight.
