The digital footprint refers to greenhouse gas emissions, in particular CO2, generated by activities related to the use of digital technologies and online platforms.
Interesting notes about the digital footprint
- Several studies have shown that online video streaming contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, estimating that streaming one hour of high-definition video emits about 0.5 kg of CO2, equivalent to the emissions generated by a car travelling about 3 km; however, the International Energy Agency has refuted the most striking estimates produced by some of these studies, suggesting a certain caution in the assumptions made;
- Sending, receiving and storing e-mails also contribute to CO2 emissions. In fact, one of the simplest actions everyone can take to reduce their digital footprint is to empty their inbox regularly;
- Data centres, which house servers and infrastructure for digital services, are among the largest consumers of energy in the technology sector. As such, many companies are taking steps to make their data centres more energy efficient and to make increasing use of renewable energy sources.
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Hardly when we surf the Internet, post a picture on social networks or store holiday photos on our computer do we think we are making an impact on the environment. We are much more likely to consider the emissions we produce by choosing one means of transport over another. Yet the digital footprint of CO2 emissions has become a major climate change concern as the ever-expanding use of digital technologies requires a considerable amount of electricity. The production, operation and maintenance of digital devices and infrastructures require a continuous supply of energy. In addition, the storage of huge amounts of data and the operation of servers and data centres require additional energy resources. This huge amount of energy is often generated from non-renewable and fossil sources, thus having a strong impact on the climate.
Reducing the digital footprint requires a holistic approach involving users, companies and governments. Users can reduce their digital footprint by adopting practices such as deactivating unused devices, reducing streaming and choosing digital service providers committed to using renewable energy. Companies can implement strategies to optimise the energy efficiency of their data centres and digital infrastructure. Governments can promote policies and regulations that foster the adoption of renewable energy in the digital sector and encourage environmental responsibility.
