What is a Carbon Footprint?

The term “carbon footprint” has become increasingly common in recent years as people become more aware of their impact on the environment. A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere as a result of human activity. These activities include burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industrial processes. However, in the age of digital technology, there is also a growing concern about the digital carbon footprint.

What is a Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere as a result of human activity. This includes the carbon emissions associated with transportation, energy use in buildings, and the manufacturing of goods. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and they are responsible for trapping heat in the earth’s atmosphere, causing the planet to warm up.

The carbon footprint of an individual, organisation, or product is measured in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emitted. CO2e is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide that would have the same global warming potential as the greenhouse gases emitted. The carbon footprint is typically measured in tons of CO2e per year.

What is Digital Carbon Footprint?

The digital carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the digital technologies we use on a daily basis. This includes the energy used to power our devices, data centres, and the internet. As our reliance on technology grows, so does the digital carbon footprint. According to some estimates, the digital technology industry accounts for around 4% of global carbon emissions, roughly the same as the aviation industry or even more.

The digital carbon footprint can be broken down into three main areas: device production, use of these devices, data centres, and the internet. The production of electronic devices requires energy and resources, and the disposal of these devices contributes to the growing problem of electronic waste or e-waste. Data centres, where data is stored and processed, require large amounts of energy to run, and their cooling systems are often energy-intensive. Finally, the internet itself, which connects us all and enables us to access information, consumes a significant amount of energy.

Why is Digital Carbon Footprint a Concern?

The digital carbon footprint is a concern because of its contribution to climate change. Climate change is a growing problem that threatens the planet’s biodiversity and the well-being of its inhabitants. The use of digital technology is only going to increase, and so too will the digital carbon footprint, unless steps are taken to reduce it.

Another concern is that digital carbon emissions are often hidden from view. We can see the smokestacks of factories and the exhaust pipes of cars, but we cannot see the energy consumed by our devices or the internet. This makes it difficult for individuals and organisations to understand the impact of their digital activities and to take steps to reduce it.

How to Reduce Your Digital Carbon Footprint?

Reducing your digital carbon footprint is essential to tackling climate change. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your digital carbon footprint:

Use energy-efficient devices

Choose devices that are energy efficient and have a long lifespan. Look for devices with the Energy Star rating or other certifications that indicate their energy efficiency.

Turn off devices when not in use

Turn off devices when you are not using them. This includes turning off your computer, television, and other electronics when you are not using them.

Use the cloud wisely

The cloud can be a more energy-efficient way to store and access data, but it is important to use it wisely. Avoid storing large amounts of data that you do not need, and use cloud services that are powered by renewable energy.

Stream responsibly

Streaming music and video can consume a significant amount of energy. Consider downloading media instead of streaming it, or use streaming services that are powered by renewable energy.

Optimise your website

If you have a website, make sure it is optimised for energy efficiency. This includes using efficient code, compressing images and videos, and minimising the use of scripts and plugins. Eco-Friendly Web Alliance (EFWA) offers a free website audit, — What’s my website’s impact on the planet? — not just for one page but for the whole website. Get yourself a free website audit here.

Reduce email usage

Sending and storing emails also contributes to the digital carbon footprint. To reduce this impact, avoid sending large attachments, unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists, and delete old emails.

Consider green web hosting

Choose a web hosting service that uses renewable energy or has a carbon offset program. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of your website.

In addition to these individual steps, it is also important for organisations to take responsibility for their digital carbon footprint. This includes measuring and reporting on their carbon emissions, setting targets for reduction, and investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient technology.

The digital age has brought many benefits, but it has also brought new environmental challenges, such as the digital carbon footprint. To tackle climate change, it is essential that we reduce our carbon footprint, both in our physical and digital lives. By taking steps to reduce our digital carbon footprint, such as using energy-efficient devices, optimising our websites, and using the cloud wisely, we can help to create a more sustainable future for all.

Written by Team EFWA