ICT to cut CO2 emissions

You might remember a previous blog I wrote about the Commission Communication on the promotion of the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to improve energy efficiency of the economy which announced a range of measures to increase the use of ICT to fight climate change and reduce energy waste.
A study commissioned by the Global e-sustainability initiative (Gesi) and British NGO the Climate Group (delivered on 19 June) will probably provide some ammunitions to the European Commission. The study is called "The Smart 2020" and describes the ICTs' potential for reducing global emissions.
What I have found interesting out of the report is that unless measures are taken, the industry's impact on the climate is forecast to grow rather than diminish. "To help, rather than hinder, the fight against climate change, the ICT sector must manage its own growing impact and continue to reduce emissions from data centres, telecommunications networks and the manufacture and use of its products"
It also says little is to be expected from virtual technologies such as teleworking, video-conferencing and e-commerce, which it was believed could help reduce the need for freight or to travel. The report notes that the "dematerialisation" of the economy "is only one part (6%) of the estimated low carbon benefits the ICT sector can deliver".  So, the areas where ICT can contribute more (similarly to the one listed by the Commission) are :

- Industry motors and industrial automation (0.97 GtCO2e in 2020, worth €68 billion);
- Logistics (1.52 GtCO2e, with energy savings worth €208 billion);
- Buildings (1.68 GtCO2e, worth €216 billion), and;
- Grid technologies (2.03 GtCO2e, worth €79 billion).