Methods to Reduce Your Digital Carbon Footprint

By Ground report 31 Oct 2023

New Update

Even though we don't realize it, most of our daily activities contribute to carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. This is our carbon footprint. When we generate more carbon dioxide than the Earth can absorb, excess emissions contribute to climate change.

Even the least obvious activities, such as browsing the Internet, contribute to our carbon footprint. Although online data cannot actually be seen, it is constantly processed and stored in huge data centers around the world. These objects require 24/7 power and are constantly ready to send new information out into the world - podcasts, videos, music, news, memes, news and everything that is on the Internet - to our devices.

Our habit of instant access to this huge data set and being constantly online has a significant impact on our carbon footprint. And while measuring our individual carbon footprint isn't easy, there are some simple ways to reduce it.

Document digitalization approach

Sustainable development applies primarily to enterprises: both giants and small companies. This motto includes a call to sensibly manage the company's development and generate profits in an ethical and thoughtful way, respecting environmental resources and the well-being of employees.

To implement the demands of sustainable development, companies must minimize their carbon footprint. One of the approaches to achieve this is digitalization, i.e. incorporating digital documentation technologies into our everyday office work.

All online applications, unattended ways of dealing with matters and computer systems that facilitate everyday life are called electronic infrastructure and largely contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.

An good example of document digitization is, among others, introduction of, as well as e-prescriptions and banking applications enabling access to the use of PDF file among other file formats.

Enterprise digitization – software that changes work for the better

Using the right software for your work does more than just stop using large amounts of paper. Purchasing the most popular office software package or the best PDF editing software can support creative collaboration in a group by editing files together, or can improve internal communication through convenient instant messengers.

This, in turn, may result in faster problem solving and more effective work within the team and the entire company.

Use video with caution

Video ads and auto-playing videos on social media apps are other small but energy-hungry creatures. We watch many of these elements not because we decide about it, but because they are activated for us. Where possible (e.g. on Facebook, Netflix, YouTube), turn off autoplay and preview of the videos you see while browsing these websites. You can also use web browser plug-ins (e.g. AdBlock) that block ads and elements such as auto-started media.

During teleconferences and online workshops, turn on the camera only when necessary, e.g. during team-building exercises, when non-verbal communication is important for building relationships, etc. Turn off the cameras when it is unnecessary.

Change your power settings

Configure your system so that your computer goes into sleep or hibernation mode when you take a break. This way you will reduce energy consumption. You'll save even more if you turn off your computer, monitor and printer when you don't need them.

Clear your mailbox

To reduce these emissions, you can take steps that will also tidy up your inbox. It's not just about writing less or shorter. Start by regularly deleting archived email. Block and automatically delete spam, and if you receive unnecessary emails, e.g. with automatic notifications or subscriptions, take a moment to turn them off.

This will save space on your server and reduce the load on it when you are searching your inbox.

Search wisely

Internet search engines, although increasingly faster and better at guessing exactly what we want to find out, are quite energy-consuming.

Therefore, it is worth considering how to use them more wisely, e.g. by entering as specific queries as possible to avoid multiple searches or by giving up searching for the addresses of popular websites (instead, save them in your favorites or bookmarks).

Our behavior has an impact

Another area where we still have great potential to reduce our carbon footprint is changing our behavior. For example, choosing a means of transport, selecting and optimizing the route from home to the workplace, cinema or theater.

Often, changing the route or slightly changing the travel time can have a very effective impact on reducing the carbon footprint of our trip by, for example, shortening the time spent in a traffic jam.

Ultimately, when the cost of travel, expressed in carbon footprint, is impossible to offset, then the system will inform us that it may be better to stay at home and use remote work tools.

On a final note

Although the changes are large and sometimes difficult to initiate, it is worth noting that taking up the challenge has a positive impact on the organization and ensures its stable development.

Greater care for the environment turns out to be an excellent opportunity to improve the company. Therefore, to achieve the best possible combination of document digitalization and sustainability, both the opportunities and risks associated with each strategic decision must be carefully analyzed.

It is best to pursue this goal step by step, with an optimistic attitude towards change.