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November 2021 saw the enactment of the law aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of digital technology in France (REEN). Although the legislation primarily targets manufacturers of digital devices, it should serve as an opportunity for all companies to reflect on their digital carbon footprint.
REEN Law: primarily targeting the manufacturing and sale of digital devices
With the goal of limiting the replacement of devices, the law includes a number of provisions targeting the manufacturing and sale of digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, etc.).
The text stipulates that, no later than January 1st 2028, mandatory recycling, reuse, and repair targets for certain digital goods will be implemented, along with the establishment ofnational collection programs for digital equipment managed by producers or their eco-organizations, supported by a return incentive.
A general framework for the eco-design of digital services establishing sustainable design criteria will also be implemented starting January 1st January 2024.
Finally, the text makes it mandatory for certain electronic communications operators to publish key indicators regarding their policies for reducing their environmental footprint. A decree will specify the operators subject to this requirement, as well as the content and terms of this obligation.
How can a company reduce its digital carbon footprint?
The law primarily aims to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the manufacturing of digital devices and contains few provisions regarding the reduction of emissions linked to digital usage by private entities.
However, it is essential for all professionals to address this issue. Indeed, companies have never used digital technology as much as they do today: document digitization, new forms of communication, and more. While the benefits are certainly numerous, at the same time, this explosion in digital usage inevitably leads to an increase in the digital carbon footprint of both public and private sector entities.
To mitigate this trend, companies can, in particular, raise employee awareness of "digital best practices" (streamlining messaging exchanges, cleaning up email inboxes, prioritizing audio over video calls, etc.).
According to ADEME, IT equipment accounts for 21% of the electricity consumption of an office-based company. With both financial and environmental goals in mind, professionals have every interest in raising awareness among their IT fleet managers or purchasing managers.
Sources:
Law No. 2021-1485 of November 15, 2021, aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of digital technology in France – ADEME website