The European Green Deal represents a landmark commitment by the European Union to address the challenges posed by climate change while fostering sustainable economic growth and job creation. Launched in December 2019, the Green Deal establishes a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming the EU into a climate-neutral economy by 2050.
As Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has stated: “Our goal is to reconcile the economy with our planet, to reconcile the way we produce and the way we consume with our planet and to make it work for our people.” The European Green Deal is not just about reducing emissions, it’s about transforming our economy, creating new jobs and opportunities, and ensuring that our planet is preserved for future generations.
This initiative seeks to decarbonise various sectors while promoting biodiversity, ensuring clean air and water, and fostering a more equitable society. It encompasses a wide range of strategies, including increasing renewable energy usage, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainable mobility, and implementing circular economy principles across industries. At the heart of the Green Deal lies the recognition that all sectors, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious goals. The ICT sector is uniquely positioned not only to drive innovation and efficiency but also to significantly reduce its own carbon footprint and enable greener practices across various industries.
One of the critical pieces of this framework is the European Climate Law, which was adopted in July 2021, to set legally binding targets in accordance with the EU’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainability, and foster economic growth while protecting the environment. In alignment with the Climate Law is the “Fit for 55” legislative package, introduced shortly thereafter in July 2021, which aims to facilitate the EU’s objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The “Fit for 55” package encompasses a range of measures across various sectors, including revisions to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), increased renewable energy targets, stricter fuel economy standards for cars, and enhanced energy efficiency measures. The ICT services sector is included in this dialogue, as it has a significant impact on energy consumption and thus plays a key role in helping the EU meet its goal of reducing emissions.
ICT services are integral to enabling the transition to a more sustainable economy, as they facilitate improvements in energy efficiency, empower smart infrastructures and promote innovations in digital technologies. As organisations adopt digital solutions, the need for energy-efficient data management and green IT practices becomes increasingly critical. Through cloud computing, data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), ICT services can optimise resource use, lower operational costs and reduce carbon footprints across multiple industries.
Within this context, the EXIGENCE project is strategically positioned to make substantial contributions to the goals of the Green Deal, Climate Law, and Fit for 55 initiatives. Its mission centers on reducing energy usage and carbon emissions within the ICT sector, which is essential for realising the broader environmental objectives outlined in these legislative frameworks.
How is EXIGENCE contributing to these initiatives?
EXIGENCE approaches this mission holistically by focusing on the entire ICT value chain to implement transformative changes that enhance operational efficiencies. One pivotal way EXIGENCE supports these initiatives is through a robust commitment to measuring energy consumption and carbon footprints across various ICT services. By establishing baseline measurements, we can identify high-impact areas where energy use is most excessive and enable work towards targeted strategies for improvement. This data-driven approach aligns with the Green Deal’s emphasis on transparency and accountability in emissions reporting.
EXIGENCE’s optimisation efforts to improve resource efficiency play a critical role in minimising environmental impacts. Promoting energy-efficient practices within data centers, telecommunications, and cloud computing not only reduces the carbon footprint of our ICT services but also resonates with the Green Deal’s focus on climate-friendly technologies and energy efficiency across all sectors.
EXIGENCE is committed to advancing sustainable practices through the integration of renewable energy sources. By encouraging green energy usage in data centers and operational facilities, we reinforce the Green Deal’s objective of transitioning toward a cleaner energy system, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting shifts in how energy is sourced and consumed within the ICT industry.
To foster a culture of sustainability, EXIGENCE employs a mix of economic and behavioural incentives. By providing end-users with insights into their CO2 emissions and equipping them with tools to make informed choices, we actively engage individuals as partners in the journey toward reducing carbon footprints. This community-centric model mirrors the European Green Deal’s call for inclusive engagement, encouraging society-wide participation in the transition to a greener economy.
In conclusion, through our dedication to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in the ICT sector, EXIGENCE is poised to make meaningful contributions to the European Green Deal and its legislative frameworks, including the European Climate Law, and the “Fit for 55” initiatives. Our innovative approaches to energy measurement, resource optimisation, user engagement and incentivisation, create a robust framework for achieving these ambitious environmental goals.
Through these initiatives, EXIGENCE aims to advance towards a sustainable future that meets the expectations set forth by the Green Deal, fostering a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come.
