As countries strive to balance digital transformation with pressing climate goals, understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of digital growth has become paramount. The ICT sector, responsible for an estimated 1.5-4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, plays an increasingly significant role in both advancing connectivity and addressing sustainability challenges. Recognizing this dual impact, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Bank have collaborated to produce the “Measuring National ICT Sector Environmental Impact: Arcep Case Study - France." This comprehensive report spotlights the pioneering practices of France's regulatory authority, Arcep, as it sets a global precedent in tracking and managing the environmental footprint of its national ICT sector.
In this case study, Arcep's innovative and structured approach provides a roadmap for data-driven environmental accountability within the ICT sector. With a series of detailed annual surveys under its “Achieving Digital Sustainability" initiative, Arcep has methodically gathered data from telecommunications operators, data centers, and device manufacturers. This data encompasses GHG emissions, energy consumption, water usage, and rare earth and precious metal use, creating a holistic view of the sector's environmental footprint. Through collaboration with government bodies and industry stakeholders, Arcep has established a scalable and adaptable model that other regulators worldwide can leverage.
This study delves into Arcep's regulatory journey, detailing how it implemented legislative changes to expand its data collection authority and engaged industry stakeholders to foster transparency and shared responsibility. By building this data-driven framework, Arcep has become a global model for how regulators can:
- Collaborate effectively with industry stakeholders
- Develop and implement robust data collection methodologies, and
- Leverage progressive regulatory mandates to drive sustainable practices across the sector.
This case study underscores the urgent need for countries to adopt structured methods to assess and manage the environmental impact of their digital sectors. Arcep's approach exemplifies how targeted regulatory efforts can facilitate sustainable digital development both nationally and internationally. By offering a clear roadmap, “Measuring National ICT Sector Climate Impact: Arcep Case Study" aims to inspire global ICT regulators to implement comprehensive environmental tracking systems that align with international climate objectives, fostering a collective shift towards a greener, more sustainable ICT industry.
