Digitalisation and Sustainability

Abstract

This working paper, prepared at the request of the European Commission, seeks to provide a classification of the linkages between the political aim to limit the negative environmental footprint of human activity (environmental sustainability) and the increasing penetration of information and communication technology in our society (digitalisation). It attempts to identify both challenges and opportunities that these linkages represent for European citizens, and to offer a first set of general policy recommendations.

Keywords: environment, digitisation, circular economy, transport, agriculture, housing, 3D printing, green ICTs, renewable energy, smart grids