Digital Sector Emissions: Policy Driven Report, March 2024

Digital technologies continue to significantly influence global socio-economic landscapes. Rapid advancements in network connectivity methods, the capability of end user devices and the growth of data centres has revolutionised industries and reshaped societies. Many look to digital technology as key to addressing environmental challenges such as achieving Net Zero. There is compelling evidence to show that development and deployment of innovative digital and data solutions can play an important role in addressing these challenges. Impacts associated with the sector include greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from manufacturing, use and disposal of digital devices and services. There is potential for these impacts to increase as user demand grows.
The UK Government departments of DCMS and DSIT commissioned a six-month research-based study to better understand UK digital sector emissions and policy options for mitigation. This “Policy Driven” report investigates the existing international policy landscape to better understand current practice.