What makes you believe that digital services – the technical functioning of the services and the data traffic – is a relevant element in CO2 emission? 

23 Jan What makes you believe that digital services – the technical functioning of the services and the data traffic – is a relevant element in CO2 emission? 

The device consumption is only part of the equation and this is not enough. Much effort is done on this part–which is good– but doesn’t bring an holistic solution. More importantly: we know that Internet services will grow at a fast pace, which means that a focus on equipment only will not properly reflect the overall impact of the services chain on the environment. Data traffic and transmission is key to all digital services, along with design and development (green by design, environmentally aware software design) and even financing; hence, it is crucial that we measure all sides of services for accuracy.

We propose a unique holistic and forward-looking approach that will ensure Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) of the most dynamic and promising industry, the Digital Industry, to also focus on the exponential part of the digital services themselves, such as video streaming, 5G related services and online cloud-based services.