Digital decarbonisation for greener supply chains

The inconspicuous carbon footprint of digital data

Digital data, unlike physical objects, lacks a tangible presence. You can't touch it and its carbon cost remains invisible. For years, this has led many to assume that the digital world is carbon neutral. However, with the rise in global data use, it has become clear that the storage and processing of this data can have a substantial environmental impact.

Take the humble photo, for instance. In the United Kingdom, an average person takes about five digital photos per day. Across the population, this generates 805,083 tons of carbon annually, which is comparable to flying from London to New York over 934,000 times. In the United States, the impact is even more staggering. With each person snapping 20 photos per day, the total carbon footprint reaches 3.9 billion tons annually. The financial cost of offsetting this carbon using tree-planting schemes would be in the billions for both nations.

These are just snapshots of a much larger issue. Our collective tendency to store, backup, and never delete files has led to a massive accumulation of 'dark data' – unused or underutilized digital files that consume energy without providing any benefit. The environmental footprint of this data is largely unseen but significant.

Energy consumption and digital infrastructure

Behind every email, photo or video call lies a vast infrastructure of data centres, networks and servers, all of which consume massive amounts of energy. These data centres, often running 24/7, require not just electricity to power servers but also substantial energy to cool them. As digital data grows exponentially, so does the demand for processing power, which in turn drives up energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The challenge is even more pronounced when it comes to dark data. This unused data, stored across countless servers worldwide, demands ongoing maintenance and energy. The more data we store without purpose, the greater the unnecessary carbon footprint produced by wasted energy consumption.

The global supply chain of data: barriers to decarbonisation

The carbon footprint of digital technology doesn’t stop at individual usage. It extends into the intricate and complex global supply chains behind the manufacture and operation of digital infrastructure. One major barrier to reducing this footprint is the lack of data standardization across the supply chain. When data is inconsistent in format or quality, it becomes difficult to aggregate, analyse, and report emissions effectively. This lack of standardization hinders decarbonisation efforts across industries.

Limited data sharing among stakeholders further restricts efforts to get a comprehensive view of carbon footprints. Concerns over confidentiality, competitive advantage, and data ownership prevent meaningful collaboration across the supply chain. As a result, emission hotspots remain invisible and opportunities for carbon reduction are missed.

Technological and policy challenges in digital decarbonisation

Even with a growing recognition the environmental impact of our digital activities, implementing decarbonisation initiatives is not without challenges. One issue is the technological limitations. In some regions, the infrastructure needed to measure and reduce emissions is either inaccessible or too costly to realise. Additionally, methods of data collection and analysis can be resource-intensive, making them less attractive for many businesses.

This is compounded by policy and regulatory gaps. The frameworks needed to promote sustainable data practices and incentivize carbon reduction efforts are still developing and often lag behind the pace of technological advancement. Governments and industries need to establish stronger regulations that encourage energy-efficient data practices and greater collaboration across supply chains to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions.

Steps for reducing your digital carbon footprint

While digital technologies offer immense potential for sustainability, the key to unlocking this potential lies in how we manage and use them. 'Green internet use' involves several practical strategies that can reduce the environmental impact of our time online:

1. Optimize data usage: Regularly clean up your digital storage by deleting old photos, files and apps that you no longer need. Reducing stored data cuts down the energy used by data centres.
2. Use eco-friendly services: Choose cloud storage providers that prioritize renewable energy sources and transparent sustainability policies. Similarly, consider eco-conscious search engines like Ecosia, which uses its profits to plant trees.
3. Reduce streaming impact: Streaming in lower resolutions uses significantly less energy. When HD or 4K isn’t necessary, opt for standard resolution to minimize energy consumption.
4. Energy-efficient devices: Use devices that are designed to be energy-efficient and ensure they are updated regularly. Newer devices often come with improved energy management features that help reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Mindful internet habits: Turn off devices when not in use, avoid unnecessary downloads, and turn off your camera during virtual meetings when video is not essential. These small actions add up over time.
6. Support sustainable policies: Advocate for stronger regulations that encourage sustainable data practices and promote digital decarbonisation across industries.

In the digital age, decarbonisation efforts must extend beyond the physical world to encompass our online habits. From the energy consumed by data centres to the storage of unused digital files, the environmental impact of our digital lives is far from neutral. However, by adopting mindful, energy-efficient practices and supporting policies that promote sustainable data management, we can significantly reduce our digital carbon footprint. In doing so, we can help ensure that the transformative potential of digital technologies contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.