Digital pollution is a growing concern at the European level.
According to the European commission, the digital sector has an important impact in Europe. In fact, the digital sector represents 8 to 10% of energetic consumption and between 2 to 4% of greenhouse gas emissions at the European level.
Our digital world plays a major role in today’s society, but we are now confronted with new challenges, such as digital pollution.
Digital pollution refers to the environmental impact caused by the production, use, and disposal of digital technologies, such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and electronic waste. For example, data centers, which store and process internet data, consume enormous amounts of electricity often 24/7. If powered by non-renewable sources, they significantly contribute to carbon emissions.
To address the issues emerging from digital pollution (high energy use of data centers, overproduction of electronic devices, poor recycling of e-waste, etc.), several methods and best practices can be employed, such as digital decluttering, green tech choices, mindful consumption, digital literacy education, and more.
Digital sustainability is a concept and movement that aims to reduce the environmental and social impact of the digital sector while promoting good practices.
These good practices refer to:
- Reduction of electronic waste
- Proper data management (ie. handling data in a way that is organised, secure, efficient, and mindful of its impact)
- Optimisation of digital tool usage (ie. using digital tools and resources in a more efficient and responsible way)
- Digital inclusion, to ensure everyone has equal access to digital technologies and the skills to use them.
- Greener data centers that use renewable energy
The IN-Digit project offers an inspiration for change.
With the IN-Digit project (Inclusive and Responsible Digitalisation in Training), we aim to implement many of these good practices to spur ethical and sustainable digital changes within training centers.
To fully benefit from the new digital era, we seek to introduce and promote good practices that are environmentally friendly, inclusive, and socially responsible.
The uniqueness of this project lies in its focus on supporting trainers, teachers, and IT staff by placing them at the center of this change.
The project will also raise awareness across Europe, as resources will be available in multiple languages (English, Italian, French, Bulgarian, and Greek).
By promoting initiatives that address digital pollution, we can work towards a more responsible and sustainable digital world for both ourselves and future generations.
Stay on the lookout for updates on the project’s first result – a guide featuring 50 best practices from European organisations and individuals who apply digital sustainability initiatives in their work and practice!
Bibliography:
European Commission. (2025). Green digital sector | Shaping Europe’s digital future. https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/green-digital