As we delve deeper into Green ICT, we uncover a growing number of important resources. This page serves as a central location for compiling and sharing these valuable findings. Rest assured, as our research continues, we will consistently update this page with new information. To start learning about the topic, read our blog post: Decoding Green Technology: Navigating the Labyrinth of Eco-Tech Terms and Concepts. The carbon emissions produced by using a digital service are crucial to consider, from the energy used by a smart phone to the operation of data centers, network traffic, and software. These factors all play a part in determining the amount of carbon emissions generated when sending an email, making a search request, or asking chatGPT a question.
The way software is coded can greatly impact its demand for server and end user device resources. Different websites have varying resource requirements in terms of loading time and browser capabilities. Many websites load excessive amounts of code, mostly for features that may not even be utilized, not to mention the numerous tracking scripts. Poorly developed software can also drain a computer's CPU, often indicated by a loud cooling fan. This high demand for computing resources ultimately leads to increased electricity consumption.
Hardware or device usage, where we can differentiate between the carbon emissions for producing the devices, servers and so forth and the emissions used to operate devices for using the Internet or software on a laptop. To put it into perspective, the manufacturing of just one laptop can release up to 500kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Google developed back in 2007 the concept of energy proportionality that measures the relationship between power consumed in a computer system (device), and the rate at which useful work is done or in other words how best the given hardware is utilized. In the world of technology, even tiny changes can lead to significant outcomes. For example, using digital storage in moderation or reducing the size of files on a website can have a major impact on performance and efficiency.
Data centers have a huge demand for electricity, especially for cooling purposes. The rise of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies means that there is an increasing need for computing power. In fact, the energy consumption for Bitcoins alone surpasses that of entire countries. In Ireland, it is predicted that data centers will consume 18% of the country's electricity demand in 2024. This is mostly attributed to the increasing prevalence of cloud computing, which also enables better optimization of server resources for operating software and online platforms.
The usage of networks is rapidly growing and placing a significant strain on network infrastructure and server resources. Video streaming often faces criticism for its substantial bandwidth consumption, frequently labeled as a significant source of CO2 emissions. Yet, the complexity of calculating CO2 output from video streaming activities reveals the intricacies of digital carbon footprints. The IEA claims that the environmental impact of video streaming might not be as detrimental as once assumed, spotlighting the nuanced challenges in gauging digital CO2 emissions. Despite this, it's crucial to acknowledge that the expansion of network data is considerable. Nonetheless, minor optimizations in video streaming methodologies or software update processes can yield significant environmental benefits.
According to a World Bank report consumer devices contribute 24-40% of emissions within the ICT sector, followed by data centers at 20-48%, and connectivity networks at 16-40%.
At every level, the use of information and communication technologies and digital devices results in varying levels of carbon emissions. A great starting point for reducing these emissions is to consider the green software principles outlined by the Green Software Foundation.
- Carbon Efficiency: Emit the least amount of carbon possible.
- Energy Efficiency: Use the least amount of energy possible.
- Carbon Awareness: Do more when the electricity is cleaner and do less when the electricity is dirtier.
As a consumer, it is important to be aware of the number of electronic devices in use and to consider if they are necessary and justifiable (e.g. smart home devices). It is also crucial to take into account the overall electricity consumption required to power these devices and ensure that software requirements align with computing needs. For instance, a web camera that runs constantly and transmits large amounts of data to a server has a higher impact on energy usage compared to a low-tech sensor that only transmits small amounts of data when needed (e.g. temperature or door status).
As organizations, following green software principles can not only reduce carbon emissions but also save costs on ICTs and electricity. This can be achieved by utilizing external server cloud resources only during peak times in a more cost-effective and sustainable manner. While many companies may already be implementing such measures, there are still more ways to save energy and improve efficiency throughout the entire software development process, including new roles like GreenOps.
As an organization the green software principles can guide not only to lower carbon emissions, but also saving costs on ICTs and electricity. Using external server cloud resources only when required (e.g. peak times) is more cost-efficient and sustainable. These development are not new to most companies, but there are many more ways to save energy or use it more efficient for example for the whole software development process with new roles such as GreenOps.
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