Towards an overall measurement methodology of the carbon and energy footprints of the ICT sector: Final report

Abstract

The objective of this study is to better understand the existing landscape of methodologies and initiatives for measuring and reporting GHG emissions (i.e. carbon footprint) and energy footprint for the ICT sector, in a perspective of a possible policy implementation. The report is structured in three main parts. Firstly, in the context of Key Action 12 of the Digital Agenda for Europe5, the study provides a panorama and analysis of these methodologies and initiatives in regards to several assessment criteria. Secondly, it looks at the implications of applying these methodologies to carry out GHG emissions reporting at company level and assesses generic risks and benefits. Finally, building on these two aspects, the study provides a preliminary discussion of different policy scenarios (either mandatory or voluntary) for the implementation of GHG emissions reporting at the company level. In particular, the most appropriate methodological frameworks are presented for these scenarios. The scenarios discussion focuses on the ICT sector but scenarios also consider a wider policy implementation for GHG emissions reporting