Businesses can reduce the digital carbon footprint by adopting more ecological and responsible practices.
Digital technology, omnipresent in our lives, has a growing environmental impact. In 2024, the urgency is clear: without concrete actions, its carbon footprint could triple by 2050, exacerbating the environmental crisis. However, solutions exist to curb this trend while preserving the benefits offered by digital technology.
The environmental footprint of digital technology is largely driven by three major components: end-user devices (computers, smartphones, tablets), data centers and networks. In 2024, these three combined sources account for between 3 and 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a predominant share coming from the equipment itself. According to a recent study by Arcep,ADEME, 79% of the digital carbon footprint comes from equipment manufacturing, an extremely energy-intensive process.
The manufacturing of devices is responsible for the majority of emissions related to digital technology. For example, a laptop requires an average of 600 kg of raw materials for its production, while a smartphone needs between 200 and 250 kg. These processes involve theextraction of rare metals, which are often imported from Asia or South America, significantly increasing the carbon footprint from the device's very first use.
Another striking fact: 80% of the GHG emissions a digital device will generate over its lifetime have already been produced before it is even used for the first time. This highlights the importance of extending the lifespan of devices and encouraging their reuse.
The streaming infrastructure, data centers and networks, although they account for a smaller share of global emissions (16% and 5% respectively), consume enormous amounts of electricity. Energy consumption related to audiovisual uses, such as video streaming, is accelerating. In France, the Arcom report showed that these uses represent 2.9% of national electricity consumption, or 13 TWh. Added to this is the carbon footprint of streaming services, which could grow by 30% by 2030 without measures to improve the energy efficiency of digital infrastructure.
Given these findings, businesses and users face a dilemma: How to maintain digital innovation and benefits while reducing its ecological impact? The answer lies in the transition to a more sustainable and responsible management of digital resources.
Digital giants, like Netflix or Spotify, rely on constant user engagement, which leads to an increase in energy consumption. However, they can reduce their carbon footprint by optimizing video compression algorithms, limiting autoplay features, and encouraging more responsible content consumption.
The infrastructures themselves can be optimized. For example, implementing more energy-efficient data centers, using renewable energy, would be a major step forward. Server cooling, traditionally very energy-intensive, could also be improved with new, more environmentally friendly technologies.
One of the key drivers for reducing the impact of digital technology lies in extending the lifespan of equipment. In 2023, approximately 70 million unused digital devices were stored by French households. These devices, refurbished or recycled, could limit the production of new devices and thus reduce emissions associated with their manufacture.
Initiatives such as recycling programs, the introduction of sustainability labels, or the promotion of the second-hand market for smartphones and computers, help extend the lifespan of equipment and reduce the demand for new products.
To reconcile technology and ecology, several concrete actions can be adopted by businesses.
Businesses must first assess their own digital consumption, identifying the most energy-intensive equipment and services. Encouraging the use ofless energy-intensive and more durable devices is essential. Internally, limiting the use of non-essential devices and optimizing practices related to video conferencing and cloud services can lead to substantial gains.
Training employees on the challenges of responsible digital practices is a crucial step to initiate the transition. Training in eco-design of digital services or energy management of infrastructures helps to strengthen digital sobriety at all levels of the company.
Promoting the reuse of IT equipment within companies can help reduce the overall environmental impact. In France, the use of refurbished equipment is growing, with 21% of users having purchased a second-hand smartphone in 2023. By partnering with recycling and refurbishment, businesses can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also meet growing consumer expectations regarding social and environmental responsibility.
Businesses can join national projects, such as thecall for projects " Eco-responsible Digital ", which aim to support innovation in the digital and ecological sectors. These initiatives encourage collaboration between businesses, local authorities, and associations to promote more environmentally friendly digital practices.
Despite the challenges environmental challenges posed by digital technology, there are solutions to reverse the trend. By adopting more responsible digital practices and raising awareness among their employees, businesses can help to reduce the ecological footprint of their activities. With the support of government initiatives and innovation in eco-design, the digital sector can become an ally in the ecological transition.
Leasétic supports businesses in the implementation of eco-responsible strategies for a more sustainable digital environment. Feel free to contact our experts to learn more about our leasing solutions, IT asset management, and end-of-life equipment recovery.
