Overview
Monitoring the environmental impact of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is crucial for informed decision-making, especially as the sector's emissions and energy consumption continue to grow. Collecting accurate national data enables regulators to craft effective policies and prioritize sustainability during digital transformation. ICT regulators, like Arcep, France’s regulatory authority for electronic communications, play a critical role by engaging actively in this space, advocating for transparency, and ensuring that environmental considerations are integral to the ICT industry's development.
The lack of reliable national-level data poses a challenge to creating effective strategies to reduce the environmental impact of the ICT sector. Arcep's journey to collect ICT sector environmental data began with a legal mandate, culminating in its first annual survey, Achieving Digital Sustainability. Legislative changes expanded its authority to include other ICT industries—including data centers—setting the stage for comprehensive environmental data collection. Arcep's experience offers valuable insights into the challenges and successes of data collection in this sector. Collaboration with stakeholders, incremental progress, and a focus on transparency are crucial components of the process. These insights are summarized in this report, which offers a roadmap for other regulators considering similar initiatives.
Main report
Measuring National ICT Sector Environmental Impact: Arcep Case Study