The rising demand of information and communication technology (ICT), not only in developed countries but also increasingly in emerging and developing countries, generates a rapidly growing carbon footprint.
In 2007, ICT accounted for 0.86 metric gigatons of greenhouse
gas emissions annually (ca. 2 percent all emissions globally). According to a
study done by McKinsey, ICT could develop into one of the biggest greenhouse
gas emitters by 2020 (1.54 metric gigatons; ca. 3 percent of all emissions).
What is even more alarming is the fact that these projections
already incorporate improvements in the energy efficiency of ICT and its production.
However on the other hand, research also shows that an efficient
use of such technology could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions five times
beyond what the ICT itself creates (7.8 metric gigatons).
Where does this abatement potential come from? The report examines the optimization potential for energy productivity in four areas – buildings, power, transport, and manufacturing – as well as across these areas.
Where does this abatement potential come from? The report examines the optimization potential for energy productivity in four areas – buildings, power, transport, and manufacturing – as well as across these areas.
The greatest impact of ICT could come from a more efficient
grid resulting in annual abatement of 2.03 metric gigatons (€61 billion).
Utilizing ICT to built smarter homes and building could
contribute with an additional abatement of 1.68 metric gigatons per year.
Smart transportation systems, used to manage transportation
flow and optimize loads, would further reduce emissions by 1.52 metric gigatons
on a global scale.
The use of smart controls in motors in the manufacturing
sector, could lower emissions by 0.68 metric gigatons annually.
The study suggests that a further increase in energy prices
and /or the introduction of carbon taxes would induce the demand and supply
site of ICT to reconsider their approaches and innovate. Consequently, IT managers would consider the carbon
footprint a more important factor when deciding on which ICT to purchase. This
in turn will not only promote more energy efficient ICT but also ICT that will
help reduce energy consumption on the demand site.
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