Green IT and communication technologies – Potential to boost environmental performance

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are used in many areas of life and the economy today. Online shopping, the electronic processing and storage of data, the management of entire operations – computers, the Internet and mobile communication have become commonplace.

From an environmental perspective, however, the ICT industry remains highly ambivalent. Many technologies – such as smart management of power grids (smart grids) and the linking of different mobility options – can save energy and thus reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Technical innovations, digitalisation and the use of eco-friendly materials can cut climate-damaging GHG emissions from IT operations and thus lessen their environmental impact.