Loughborough Business school professors Ian Hodgkinson and Tom Jackson have made a world first for Loughborough University as they have created a CO2 measurement tool, this calculates digital data emissions to aid digital decarbonisation.
Recognizing the significance of digital decarbonisation, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Observatory for Public Sector Innovation (OECD-OPSI) have identified Jackson and Hodgkinson’s work as a critical focus for accelerating the path to net-zero.
Each day, the average person creates 10 DVDs-worth of data via their phones, fitness trackers, emails – anything which uses ones and zeros to process information. All these bytes are collected and processed by companies and stored at various data centres around the globe. By 2025, there will be an estimated 180 zettabytes of stored data – the equivalent of 6.8 billion years of continuous Netflix streaming.
By using the tool, believed to be the first of its kind, companies can make data-driven decisions that benefit the environment and save money by reducing reliance on carbon offsetting schemes.
Professor Ian Hodgkinson of Loughborough Business School said:
“In the push towards net zero, digital technologies have played, and continue to play, a critical role, but we must also be cognisant of the hidden data CO2 cost attached to the way society and organisations use digital technologies.”
The inclusion of the data CO2 footprint is a crucial factor missing from global decarbonisation policies. This tool is especially crucial as businesses and organizations worldwide are increasingly concerned with reducing their CO2 footprint and becoming more environmentally conscious.
The Data Carbon Ladder can help companies make data-driven decisions that not only enhance their bottom line but also align with their sustainability goals.
Professor Tom Jackson said:
“We are excited to announce the launch of the world’s first publicly available tool empowering organisations to assess the environmental impact of their data projects.”
Access the tool here and start to make a difference to your business’ carbon footprint.