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Reduce ICT Sector GHG emissions through robust accountability and transparent reporting
The digital sector is a growing source of global GHG emissions with carbon emissions ranging from 1.5% to 4% of global emissions. To reach the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5° C, emissions from the digital sector will need to be reduced by 45% by 2030.
The 2025 Greening Digital Companies report highlights a concerning trend: while the digital sector is rapidly advancing, its environmental impact is worsening.
- The widening gap between digital expansion and sustainable practices underscores the urgent need for more robust and genuine commitments to mitigate the sector’s escalating environmental footprint.
- Third-party verification, improved methodologies and regulation are essential for enhancing transparency and accuracy.
Commitments driving the ICT sector’s transition to net-zero
Through the Green Digital Action GHG pillar co-led by Orange, Telefonica, FTTH Council Europe and World Bank, companies commit to:
Commitment to Science-Based Targets for Emission Reduction and Development of Decarbonization Transition Plans
Setting (or already have set) 1.5 degree aligned science-based targets, to be validated (or already validated) by SBTi, for emissions reduction and commit to reduce accordingly scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, as well as to create and publish transition plans outlining how decarbonization trajectories and net-zero targets will be achieved
Commitment to Annual Public Reporting of GHG Emissions and Submission to ITU Database or CDP Disclosure
Reporting data on all GHG emission scopes and categories yearly, publicly and submit results to a public ITU database (dashboard 1.0 launched at COP29). When a company reports to CDP, this can be done through the CDP disclosure, making sure the submission is publicly available. When a company does not report to CDP, this can be done by reporting directly to the ITU.
Join the cause
Join the cause and commit to these calls to action by submitting a pledge on Partner2connect.
You may also wish to join standardization efforts in ITU-T SG5 “Environment, EMF and Circular Economy.” Learn more here.Progress since 2023
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2023 — Launch of the Green Digital Action (GDA) GHG pillar at COP28
ITU and partners launched the GHG Track under Green Digital Action to reduce ICT Sector GHG emissions through collaboration, robust accountability and transparent reporting -
2023 — Measuring the Emissions and Energy Footprint of the ICT Sector: Implications for Climate Action
ITU and World Bank released this report which collates GHG emissions and electricity consumption from the ICT sector in the 30 highest emitting countries. The report also presents case studies from several countries which report on ICT emissions and energy use, in order to delve into regulatory approaches and policy implications inferred from the data. -
2024 — Guidance for the creation of an ITU database on GHG emissions of the global ICT sector
Study group 5 consented ITU-T L.1472.“Guidance for the creation of an ITU database on GHG emissions of the global ICT sector”. It provides the foundation to create a structured database on tech-related energy use and emissions worldwide. Crucial data would include energy consumption and emissions data from ICT organizations, national-level estimates based on reported data, and official government statistics. -
2024 — Launch of the Greening Digital Dashboard
At COP29 the Greening Digital Dashboard was launched to help track ICT emissions, energy use and climate commitments. This tool paves the way for a future ITU led ICT GHG database. -
2025 — Measuring the Environmental Impact of the ICT Sector: Arcep Case Study – France
ITU, World Bank and the French regulator – ARCEP – developed a case study report serving as a model for ICT regulators by detailing ARCEP’s approach to data collection, legal adaptations, surveyed sectors, and report outcomes. -
2025 — Greening Digital Companies 2025 Report
The 3rd edition of the Greening Digital Companies Report unveils that emissions are increasing but reporting transparency and climate target adoption is improving.
– 106 of 200 assessed companies disclosed all relevant Scope 3 emission categories, up from 75 in 2022 (a 41 per cent increase)
– Of 200 assessed digital companies, 92 (46 per cent) have committed to reaching net-zero, with 9 targeting the year 2030, 42 targeting 2040 and 41 targeting 2050. One company has a 2030 net-zero target validated by SBTi.
– Just over half (110 companies) submitted Scope 3 targets (up from 73 the previous year); 100 received validation by the SBTi.
– A total of 82 companies have set absolute Scope 3 reduction targets; 65 apply these targets across all relevant categories.
– Of the 108 companies with validated Scope 1 and 2 near-term targets, 76 are on track to achieve the set targets; 10 are deemed not on track, reducing emissions too slowly; and 18 have seen emissions rise or stay the same since their base year -
2025 — Expert Group on Telecommunication/ICT Indicators (EGTI) Subgroup on National Greenhouse Gas Emission Monitoring Indicators
A new Expert Group on Telecommunication/ICT Indicators (EGTI) sub-group on National Greenhouse Gas Emission Monitoring Indicators was created, addressing GHG emissions and energy. -
2025 — Advancing green digital transformation in the Philippines and Tanzania
ITU partners with the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Republic of Korea, to advance green digital transformation towards a net-zero digital sector in the Philippines and Tanzania. The two-year project aims to enhance ICT regulators and stakeholders’ skills in data collection, regulation, and target setting. -
Piloting Recommendation ITU-T L.1472
A pilot project to test Recommendation ITU-T L.1472 is ongoing with 10 companies involved. Additional companies interested to join the pilot testing, please contact green@itu.int.