Sustainability in Tech (1/2)

 

Digital Technologies: A Double-Edged Impact

Do you think your internet activity is impacting climate change ?

YES, IT DOES! 

At first sight, the link between digital infrastructure and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) may not be obvious, but the energy it consumes tells otherwise.

Environmental Impacts of Internet Use

• Data centres consume large amounts of energy (mostly from non-renewable sources) to power and cool servers.
• High-data activities like streaming and downloading use more energy than simple browsing.
• Electronic devices contribute to carbon emissions through their production, transport, and disposal.
• Collective internet usage has significant environmental consequences.
• Solutions include using energy-efficient devices, reducing data-heavy habits, and supporting renewable energy.

However, we can learn how to impact our work environment and the products we are (or will be) working on, how technology can help with mitigating climate change and its challenges, as well as limitations in achieving that.

But first, let us think about this:

Can smartphones have less negative impact on the environment ?

Yes, they can!

All of these methods are (almost) available but at different scales; however, not all manufacturers implement them consistently.

• Replaceable batteries to extend device lifespan and reduce waste
• Easy repairability to encourage maintenance over replacement
• Energy-efficient usage modes and low-power operation
• Optimized content rendering to minimize screen energy consumption
• Use of recycled materials in manufacturing
• Design for easy recycling and reuse at end-of-life
• Refurbish-friendly construction to support resale and second-life use
• Support for eco-friendly habits through physical design and digital features
• Carbon-neutral packaging and shipping to reduce emissions across the supply chain

Digital technologies contribute to environmental harm in three key ways:

1. Lifecycle impact:  Their production, use, and disposal involve carbon emissions, land use, and water consumption
2. Obsolescence: New technologies often render older ones unusable, increasing waste
3. Behavioral Effects: Design choices can encourage overconsumption and energy-intensive habits

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can also positively impact the environment by:

1. Replacing physical resources with lower-emission digital alternatives
2. Optimizing energy use (such as smart systems) that reduce heating or electricity consumption
3. Encouraging sustainable habits like renting instead of buying through digital platforms (e.g., cameras, bikes, clothing rental apps, etc.)

In some countries, elements like repairability and ease of future recyclability are mandatory; other elements like buying used/refurbished devices or even adopting carbon-neutral packaging and shipping, (mostly) depend on business and clients' willingness to change the way they shop for new devices/gadgets. 

How does technology impact the environment ?

As digital access grows, so does the environmental footprint of the internet.

''As of July 2023, the earth had 8,05 billion inhabitants, 63.5% of whom were internet users. Between 2000 and 2020, the number of internet users multiplied by 6 in Europe, by 21 in Asia and by 139 in Africa.'' (World Bank, 2023)

An individual email is responsible for anywhere from 0.03g to 26g of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). 

Source: Greenspector, 2020

Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Emissions of the ICT Sector

Data centers contribute 45% of GHG emissions of ICT sector and are a growing category, whereas smartphones contribute 11% and are the third category after data centers and communication network.



The Digital Product Life Cycle

The product life cycle of a typical digital device (e.g.. smartphone) includes:

• Raw material extraction
• Production
• Use
• Disposal recycling

 Energy-intensive operations and plenty of resources consumed.

The ICT sector is both a major consumer of renewable energy and a driver of rising demand for rare minerals. As digital technologies expand, the need for materials like lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) outpaces current mining capacity, causing significant environmental harm, especially in vulnerable regions. Addressing these impacts is not just an ethical responsibility but increasingly a legal requirement.

Digital Tool:

Use this calculator to estimate your digital carbon footprint and discover how long it could power the Eiffel Tower’s lights!

Internet, VOD: with EcoTree, contribute to the environment

References

1. INCO Group
2. World Bank
3. Greenspector