24 Days of Kubernetes - Wilco Burggraaf Interview

At Aknostic, we believe that building a greener cloud starts with knowledge, innovation, and community. That’s why we’re bringing insights from thought leaders in Kubernetes and sustainability. Today, for the Day 10 of 24 Days of Kubernetes, we spotlight Wilco Burggraaf!

Wilco has been in the cloud native and sustainability community for over a year. And what he has achieved in such a short time​ is incredible ​! He has spoken at and organized countless conferences, online presentations, ​and podcasts, and don't get me started on the number of his insightful LinkedIn posts. Wilco is a true green software champion and is fully engaged in sustainability.

Can you share your journey into cloud-native technologies and what led you to focus on sustainability and green software?

Software needs infrastructure. Early on, I realized the cloud-agnostic space provides the best tools and opportunities to reduce IT footprints. In Green IT, portability is crucial, and Kubernetes is perfect—secure, supported, sustainable, and free from vendor lock-in.

What challenges have you encountered when promoting sustainable practices, and how have you addressed them?

The biggest challenge is finding common ground. People relate only when sustainability connects to their projects and expertise. Since starting my journey, I’ve focused on framing sustainability in relatable, actionable terms to resonate with diverse stakeholders.

What emerging trends or technologies do you foresee playing a significant role in advancing sustainability?

The shift to the Edge offers greater control over resources and energy use. Technologies like WebAssembly, DAPR, IoT orchestration, and distributed monitoring are emerging as key drivers of efficiency and sustainable innovation.

How do you see Kubernetes playing a vital role in advancing sustainability within cloud-native ecosystems?

Kubernetes bridges the hyperscaler infrastructure and the Edge, offering control over security, resources, and energy footprints. It’s the best tool to align IT practices with sustainability goals while maintaining flexibility and scalability.

If a company is starting its sustainability journey, what change should they make first?

Track energy use for every resource—from mobile phones to cloud storage. Create a unified IT resource inventory. This provides essential visibility to identify inefficiencies and start optimizing.

How do you see the tech community contributing to sustainable practices, and what role does collaboration play in achieving greener solutions?

With decades of lifecycle management tools, we now have the means to push sustainability into decision-making. Collaboration is key, influencing businesses at all levels to prioritize greener solutions.

Last but not least, what's your Kubernetes wish for the next year?

Energy scoring in pods using /proc/stat—a simple but impactful first step toward greater awareness of energy consumption.

Thank you for the interview, Wilco. Let’s make the cloud greener, together.