Page 22 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Addressing the environmental impact of virtual world-related hardware
while promoting responsible consumption will be a key consideration
in the achievement of Goal 12. Virtual worlds present an opportunity
to reimagine sustainable digital transformation which incentivizes
sustainable consumer behaviour and production, while promoting
sustainable business models [b-Polytechnique insights].
Addressing the environmental impact of e-waste, including from virtual
world-related hardware is a key challenge. It is essential to minimize the environmental footprint
associated with the production, operation and disposal of this hardware. This challenge may
be addressed by promoting responsible manufacturing practices, adopting energy-efficient
hardware design, and implementing recycling programmes to reduce electronic waste
[b-ITU10].

Virtual worlds offer an opportunity to drive sustainable consumer behaviour and conscious
decision-making [b-VentureBeat]. Virtual marketplaces can promote sustainable products,
while immersive experiences can raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts
of consumption patterns, fostering more conscious decision-making. Similarly, educating
content creators and users about responsible content creation and consumption can help
foster a culture of sustainability, diversity and social responsibility in the virtual and in the
physical world. Virtual worlds, including the metaverse, also hold the promise of substantial
carbon reductions through the substitution of physical goods by digital ones and by replacing
real-world presence with virtual interactions [b-EY].

Case study: H&M’s Loooptopia gaming experience

Fashion company H&M developed Loooptopia, an immersive “circular” gaming experience on
Roblox. In the virtual environment, players complete challenges to collect coins, which can then
be traded for virtual fabrics from which to make new digital clothes. Through this experience,
players can design and dress their avatars in custom outfits, reducing the need to experiment
with real fabrics and clothes [b-H&M].

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