When we think of the internet, we often imagine a clean, limitless, and weightless space. It’s easy to forget that every Google search, YouTube video, or Instagram scroll has a physical cost, one that’s measured in energy consumption and carbon emissions. Unlike the cars we drive or the factories we see, the internet’s energy footprint is invisible, which makes it all the more important to understand and address.
Understanding the impact
Every online activity requires energy. For instance, streaming a standard-definition video for one hour generates approximately 36g of CO2, while high-definition streaming nearly doubles that to 86g of CO2. Multiply this by the millions of users streaming videos every second, and the environmental price becomes suprising. ClimateImpact’s infographic reveals that the internet’s carbon footprint is comparable to that of the airline industry—a sector notoriously known for its environmental impact.
Beyond streaming, other seemingly trivial actions also contribute to this growing footprint. Sending an email with a large attachment, conducting a simple Google search, or saving files in cloud storage might feel inconsequential, but they all require energy-intensive processes that add up over time.
The carbon footprint of the internet, Infographic
Exposing the unnoticed energy footprint
The challenge lies in the invisibility of the internet’s environmental impact. Unlike smog-filled skies or plastic-littered beaches, the energy footprint of digital spaces is hidden behind sleek user interfaces and seamless connectivity. This lack of visibility makes it harder to create a sense of urgency or inspire change.
One potential solution, is the growing concept of “app sobriety.” This approach emphasizes the design of apps and websites that are lightweight, energy-efficient, and mindful of users’ time and data consumption. By optimizing digital products for efficiency, developers can significantly reduce the energy demands of everyday online activities. Application and website design can have a direct impact on reducing the ecological footprint of digital spaces, from simplifying user interfaces to minimizing background processes that consume unnecessary energy.
Additionally, the debate between digital and paper-based communications is evolving. It’s not always clear whether digital is more environmentally friendly than paper. While digital platforms save resources like paper, they come with their own hidden energy costs in the form of data storage and the energy used to maintain vast digital infrastructures. The key is efficiency—both in how we design our digital systems and how we manage our data.
https://www.inxsoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Blog-Image-Template-paper-vs-digital-1.webp
Why Should We Care?
As the internet continues to grow, so too does the environmental impact. The rapid expansion of cloud computing, the rise of video streaming, and the surge in online gaming and virtual meetings have all contributed to an increase in the demand for data storage and transmission. In fact, recent studies have shown that digital technologies are responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions. Therefore, it’s crucial to address these issues head-on and implement solutions that minimize the negative impact of our growing digital dependence.
The internet is no longer just a tool for communication, it’s a complex ecosystem that supports everything from e-commerce and social media to education, healthcare, and entertainment. Yet, as we continue to rely on digital technologies, we must consider the toll these innovations take on our planet.
How design could help to raise awareness of this issue?
Design can play a transformative role in raising awareness of the hidden energy footprint of digital spaces by making the invisible visible and inspiring actionable change.
Through visually compelling tools like infographics and real-time dashboards, it can translate abstract data into understandable insights. Eco-feedback embedded in interfaces, such as showing the carbon impact of streaming options, encourages greener choices. Gamification and educational prompts can nudge users toward sustainable habits without disrupting their experience. Minimalist, energy-efficient design styles not only reduce consumption but also serve as a blueprint for sustainable digital practices.
Additionally, designers can collaborate on impactful awareness campaigns using social media and interactive exhibits to spotlight this often-overlooked issue. By blending education, creativity, and technology, design has the power to drive both awareness and behavioral shifts toward a more sustainable digital future.
Researching the energy footprint of digital spaces comes also with several challenges.
Data Availability and Accuracy
Reliable and comprehensive data on the energy consumption of digital activities and infrastructure can be hard to find, as much of this information is proprietary or estimated.
Complexity of Digital Ecosystems
The interconnected nature of servers, devices, and networks makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact energy costs of specific actions, such as sending an email or streaming a video.
Rapid Technological Changes
The fast-paced evolution of technology means that data and findings can quickly become outdated, requiring ongoing monitoring and updates.
Lack of Awareness or Priority
Many companies and users, may not recognize the importance of addressing the internet’s energy footprint, which can limit access to resources or support for research.
Comparative Analysis Difficulties
Evaluating the environmental impact of digital solutions versus traditional methods (e.g., digital versus paper) often involves complex trade-offs and assumptions, making it hard to draw clear conclusions.
In the upcoming blog posts, I will describe in more detail the selected problem and its possible solutions by design.
Resources:
https://www.readings.com.au/news/an-extract-from-the-dark-cloud#
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200305-why-your-internet-habits-are-not-as-clean-as-you-think
https://www.climateimpact.com/news-insights/insights/infographic-carbon-footprint-internet
https://except.eco/knowledge/is-digital-more-environmentally-friendly-than-paper