Digital technology
Energy-efficient digital technologies – such as search engines, hardware and software, internet services, AI, video conferencing, web hosting and data transfer – reduce energy consumption. The environmental footprint of digital processes can be minimised by seeking out and choosing sustainable providers.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) consumes a lot of energy. Targeted, efficient use with clear added value conserves resources.
Digital meetings eliminate travel, thus reducing CO2 emissions.
Outdated or no longer required data may be deleted from servers on a regular basis. This avoids data waste and ensures that storage space is utilised more efficiently.
Lean digital communication encompasses emails that are limited to the essentials. A call or exchange via a messaging service is often even more sustainable.
Good to know
In the case of digital providers, it is sometimes necessary to weigh up environmental sustainability and accessibility. Zoom, for example, may not offer the most environmentally friendly server, but it is considered more accessible than many other providers, as it offers automatic live subtitles and the option to keep sign language interpreters in the frame permanently, for example.
Digital devices and systems such as servers, data centres and end devices consume a considerable amount of electricity and water. In addition, a digital infrastructure consisting of cloud services, streaming and communication technologies is often associated with significant CO2 emissions, especially if no renewable energies are used.
People who do not have smartphones or digital skills may be excluded from digital meetings. This exclusion must be prevented.
Further reading
The Green Room: Sustainable Tools for Online Music Practices
Ecosia: Die Ecosia-Suchmaschine schützt und fördert Biodiversität und Ecosia Browser ist ein nachhaltiger, datenschutzfreundlicher Webbrowser mit starkem Umwelt-Impact
Greensta Öko Webhosting: Ökostrom und atomstromfrei bei greensta ökohosting
Theater und Nachhaltigkeit: Im Büro
Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences: Wie viel CO2 emmittiert künstliche Intelligenz