Digital responsibility is an important aspect to consider for companies with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach. When asked about how to be more responsible with digital tools and products, here are some ideas and perspectives…
Digital Responsibility: what does it mean?
Digital responsibility encompasses two key areas that mirror the challenges of CSR. The first one is environmental. Digital technologies have a significant impact on resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to our overall ecological footprint. The second one is social, focusing on ensuring everyone has access to these technologies. We are not all equal when it comes to these technologies.
Digital Responsibility: a bigger environmental impact than you think
We often underestimate the environmental impact of digital technology because data seems intangible. However, data needs physical equipment and infrastructure to function. These can be broadly categorized into three groups: user terminals (like smartphones and computers), data centres, and network infrastructures.
According to the GreenIT website , in 2019, there were 34 billion electronic devices for a global population of 4.1 billion users. The ecological footprint of digital technology is projected to grow significantly, increasing from 2.5% to 6% of the global footprint between 2010 and 2025.
ADEME estimates that a single smartphone emits 20kg of CO2 equivalent throughout its lifecycle. While this may seem insignificant on its own, consider that there are roughly 3.5 billion smartphone users worldwide. Furthermore, digital devices are resource-intensive, containing over 50 different metals, including rare earths that are notoriously difficult to extract and recycle.
Digital responsibility: a significant societal impact
The societal impact of digital technology is considerable, but it is often less publicised than the environmental impact. According to Eurostat , in 2021, only 54% of people in the EU aged 16 to 74 had at least basic overall digital skills. Several associations, such as Emmaüs Connect in France, are actively working to address the digital illiteracy challenge. Cegos has chosen to support Emmaüs Connect in its efforts.
Beyond inclusivity for all, the issue of disability also intersects with digital technology. Since 2012, the General Accessibility Improvement Framework (RGAA) has been mandatory for all public websites in France. The RGAA provides a comprehensive set of recommendations, addressing topics such as contrast, legibility, image management, and accessibility using assistive technologies.
How to implement a responsible digital approach in your company?
Several best practices and labels are available to guide responsible digital implementation. The Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES), supported by UN, proposes an Action Plan for a Sustainable Planet in the Digital Age. In France, there is the Sustainable IT label , supported by the Ministry for Ecological Transition, ADEME, and the WWF.
Best practices include:
- Appointing a dedicated digital responsibility officer
- Defining performance indicators to measure progress
- Engaging your teams in a collaborative Digital Fresk to collectively identify challenges and levers
- Training your developers in eco-design principles for digital services and accessibility
- Extending the lifespan of your equipment by postponing replacements or choosing certified, energy-efficient devices
- Consider the responsible management of the data you collect
- Encouraging employees to think about their email and file storage habits.
Consider organizing a Digital Clean-up event to foster collective engagement. At Cegos, we initiated a successful Digital Clean-up during our Sustainable Development Week in 2022, with over 130 participants!
Beyond the financial benefits of reduced energy consumption and operational costs, this approach has significant meaning and impact, not only for your employees but also for all your stakeholders.
If you would like to know more about how Cegos Group can help your organisation implement effective CSR policies and training, contact us today.
This article was originally written in French and published in the Cegos Mag’.
