In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of global discourse, the imperative to minimise our carbon footprint extends beyond conventional industries to encompass the rapidly evolving domain of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In this context, the Green ICT DIGEST emerges as a promising tool for fostering innovation and facilitating cooperation in the pursuit of greener ICT practices. We had the opportunity to interview Ewout Brandsma from TNO involved in this initiative, shedding light on its core objectives, benefits, and unique contributions to the field of Green ICT.
What is the Green ICT DIGEST?
To understand the Green ICT DIGEST, one must first grasp the foundation of its parent initiative – EXIGENCE. This notable project is part of an SNS Joint Undertaking that strives to mitigate energy consumption and the carbon impact of ICT technologies through a comprehensive, end-to-end perspective.
Imagine a video stored on a cloud server: it journeys through various networks, perhaps traversing a mobile network before reaching an end device. The goal is to analyse this entire chain holistically, optimising energy usage throughout.
Achieving this objective requires the identification of relevant metrics. As our interviewee points out, “We need to do measurements to accomplish that, aggregate those measurements over the whole chain, and attribute parts of those measurements to a particular user or user flow.” With these insights, the project aims to optimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions across the entire chain.
The research phase kicked off with a robust state-of-the-art analysis involving exploration of domain standardisation bodies like 3GPP, ITU-T, ETSI, IEEE, and IETF. Collaborations with industry associations such as NGMM and Greening Up Streaming further enriched the investigation. Through this process, the team compiled approximately 90 summaries that categorise insights into metrics, measurements, and additional aspects.
What is the purpose of the Green ICT DIGEST?
The Green ICT DIGEST serves as a vital resource that provides an instant yet comprehensive overview of the current state of the field. Whether focusing on metrics, measurements, or other significant elements, the DIGEST allows stakeholders to quickly access pertinent information.
For instance, it facilitates the examination of existing metrics related to energy consumption and carbon impact across various standardisation bodies and industry associations. By identifying similarities, differences, and gaps, it establishes a foundation for further innovation. As articulated by our interviewee, “In that way, [we] form a starting point for further innovation.”
How does it benefit our audience?
Given that this domain is still evolving, the insights gathered through the state-of-the-art analysis provide value to a broader audience. By making the information publicly accessible, the DIGEST becomes a resource for anyone interested in the green ICT landscape.
“The audience will be able to get a quick overview of the field with the ability to zoom into any specific aspects like metrics, measurements, attribution, etc.,” our interviewee noted. This accessibility not only supports individual inquiries but also stimulates discussions and collaborations, ultimately nurturing a community committed to realising a world dominated by Green ICT practices.
How is the Green ICT DIGEST unique?
What sets the Green ICT DIGEST apart is its pioneering end-to-end approach to Green ICT. This emerging field lacks a comprehensive overview, making the DIGEST a groundbreaking endeavor. By drilling down into individual documents from a diverse array of standardisation bodies and industry associations, the project compiles an all-encompassing overview of the state-of-the-art.
Moreover, the categorisation of various aspects—such as metrics, measurements, and attribution—enhances usability for audiences, laying the groundwork for informed discussions and initiatives in the realm of sustainable technology.
Conclusion
As the Green ICT DIGEST continues to evolve, it promises to serve as an indispensable tool for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike. By fostering collaboration and facilitating access to critical information, it positions itself as a pivotal player in the advancement of sustainable ICT practices. In a world increasingly driven by digital technology, initiatives like the Green ICT DIGEST are essential in steering us toward a greener, more sustainable future.
