Ottawa, January 30, 2024—Information and communications technology (ICT) designers, developers, and adopters need to work together to deploy sustainable ICT strategies while raising awareness about the importance of reducing the environmental impacts of ICT.
A new report by ICTC, Building a Sustainable ICT Ecosystem: Strategies and Best Practices for Reducing Environmental Harms in a Digital World, summarizes the environmental impacts across the ICT supply chain and provides guidance about what ICT industry stakeholders can do to reduce the environmental impact of ICT.
This report builds on the first-of-its-kind ICTC policy brief, Advancing Environmentally Sustainable ICT in Canada, published in November 2023, which states the case to policymakers that policy action is needed on sustainable ICT.
The current report introduces four strategies companies can use to limit the environmental impact of their ICT: developing an organization-wide environmental sustainability strategy, adopting best practices for sustainable ICT infrastructure, building environmentally sustainable products and services, and sourcing and procuring ICT sustainably.
Section I of the report summarizes the environmental impacts of the global ICT supply chain during raw material extraction, manufacturing and production, transportation, use, software and web design, and disposal and recycling.
Section II offers guidance to lower the environmental impact of the ICT sector across the top three areas that can influence the environmental impact of ICT products and services: adopting environmental strategies at the organizational level, incorporating eco-design into product and service design, and engaging in sustainable technology procurement.
“In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, this report outlines a proactive approach to environmental sustainability in the ICT sector. By adopting organization-wide strategies, embracing sustainable infrastructure practices, procurement strategies, and fostering eco-conscious product development, companies can lead the charge in mitigating environmental impact, thus paving the way for a greener, more responsible digital future.” —Namir Anani, ICTC President and CEO
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national center of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, and with a team of 110 experts, we have delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. The organization’s goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation and that Canada’s workforce remains competitive on a global scale.
To arrange an interview on this study or other media inquiries, please contact Paul Stastny at p.stastny@ictc-ctic.ca or 403.351.0138 Ext. 823.
This study was funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program.
A copy of the study can be accessed here.
