This study aims to provide an overview of the scale and trends in the GHG emissions stemming from electronic communications, the sources of these emissions and possible measurement methodologies. The main focus is on GHG emissions as this is the field where the most data and knowledge is available, but impacts on natural resources are also discussed. It also discusses initiatives that have been taken by electronic communication operators (ECN operators) and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) to measure and/or limit emissions and other environmental impacts linked to electronic communications. It concludes with an analysis of the potential role that NRAs could play in supporting sustainability goals, along with the limitations that NRAs may face in this context and trade-offs which may arise when sustainability goals are juxtaposed with other objectives and commitments which NRAs must meet in the context of EU and national legislation applying to electronic communications.
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Environmental impact of electronic communications
As the basis for more efficient processes, electronic communication can contribute to greater sustainability. On the other hand, the TC infrastructure itself contributes to the consumption of energy and resources. The study examines the state of the literature on this topic and gives an overview of the first approaches on the part of telecommunications companies and national regulatory authorities.
