Digital plays a key role important role in the energy transition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It offers opportunities for dematerialization, optimization and significant resource savings. At the same time, digital technology is singled out for its undesirable effectsThese are linked to the need for material support and the energy required for fast-growing uses.
Against this backdrop, the challenge of a more responsible digital future. A wealth of experience, Eurogroup Consulting shares 7 best practices for committing to digital sobriety.
1: MEASURE CARBON FOOTPRINT TO DEFINE A TRAJECTORY
Received idea
Measuring carbon footprints enables us to assess an organization's maturity in comparison with other organizations.
Good practice
Measurement is essential to raise awareness of the organization's ecological footprint, and to ensure that it is properly managed. must be used as a tool to define a trajectory for improvement and decarbonization, and not as a tool for comparison with other structures.
2: PUTTING THE INCREASE IN CARBON FOOTPRINT DUE TO DIGITAL INVESTMENTS INTO PERSPECTIVE
Received idea
The increase in digital uses and infrastructures inevitably leads to an increase in the organization's carbon footprint, and must therefore be fought at all costs.
Good practice
Investments in digital infrastructures can ultimately lead to a reduction in an organization's overall carbon footprint. For example, the carbon footprint analysis must be carried out on an organization-wide scale and not from each department or business unitand take into account possible future spin-offs.
3: ASSESS THE RETURN ON ENVIRONMENT OF SOLUTIONS BEFORE THEY ARE IMPLEMENTED
Received idea
Some solutions, such as Reducing the number of e-mails sent and digitizing documents and files should be a priority. by the organization for immediate benefits on reducing carbon footprints.
Good practice
The Return on Environment (RoE) of solutions must be be systematically evaluated prior to implementationto ensure a positive impact on the organization's carbon footprint.
4: FOCUS ON HIGH-IMPACT ACTIONS BY RETHINKING INFRASTRUCTURES AND SOFTWARE
Received idea
The number and growth of digital uses by users are the main drivers of digital carbon emissions and their reduction has a direct effect on the digital footprint. They must therefore be addressed as a matter of priority and must therefore be addressed as a matter of priority.
Good practice
Reducing digital usage is a good start, but other levers exist, infrastructure and software (hardware & software).
5: THINKING BEYOND CARBON CERTIFICATES
Received idea
The proposed "carbon certificates help offset carbon emissions activities.
Good practice
It is advisable to seeking a greener electricity supply rather than being satisfied with "illusory" offsetting of carbon emissions, in particular through the use of green energy supply contracts with energy suppliers. The two actions can be combined and a certificate can complement a greener electricity supply.
6: BUILD PARTNERSHIPS WITH SUPPLIERS TO OPTIMIZE THEIR INFRASTRUCTURES
Received idea
Server and cloud service providers have every interest in optimizing their infrastructures to reduce energy consumption. This is why outsourcing the provision of storage space to a supplier ensures the use of green infrastructure and lower energy consumption.
Good practice
Increasing the organization's skills in setting up and running servers and cloud services enables it tobuild partnerships with suppliers and thus obtain more transparency andguide the infrastructure optimization strategy of these suppliers.
7: INVOLVE THE WHOLE ORGANIZATION TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSFORMATION
Received idea
The transition to responsible digital must be by the IT Department, responsible for IT infrastructures and business software, and able to regulate digital usage.
Good practice
In order to ensure a successful transformation towards digital responsibility, it is necessary togetting the whole organization on board on the subject and raise the issue to General Management levelso that it can be then rolled out to all departments, users and even customers.
