The impact of technology on energy efficiency represents a crucial element of the ongoing environmental discourse. The intersection of the green and digital transitions offers a distinctive opportunity to address global emissions across various sectors. Digital technologies have the potential to reduce global emissions by over 15% in sectors such as energy, industry, agriculture, construction, and transport. Moreover, these technologies have the capacity to contribute to a reduction of up to 35% by altering people’s habits. It is imperative, however, to recognise that these technological advancements require a significant amount of energy to operate, as well as water for cooling equipment and the generation of electronic waste.
Digital technologies account for 8-10% of global energy consumption and 2-4% of greenhouse gas emissions, with direct emissions from livestock accounting for 5% and aviation emissions accounting for just under half. The current challenge is to ensure that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) minimises these detrimental effects whilst maximising its potential role in bolstering the transition to a Net Zero future.
Energy efficiency entails the reduction of energy consumption or the utilisation of technology that necessitates less energy to perform the same function. It represents a critical constituent of Sustainable Development Goal 7, which strives to ensure access to affordable, secure, sustainable, and modern energy in order to raise the percentage of individuals who presently have access to electricity.
Telefónica, as a pioneering force in technology, exemplifies the transformative capacity of diverse technologies in realising a world in which digital technology safeguards the planet. The company has set a target to achieve zero net emissions by 2040 and to become a zero-waste enterprise by 2030. In order to contribute to energy efficiency, Telefónica implements a range of technological initiatives such as network modernisation, the deployment of 5G, virtualisation, migration to the cloud, and the implementation of Power Saving Features and AI/ML platforms to optimise energy consumption whilst sustaining quality.
In addition to energy efficiency, Telefónica champions the circular economy through eco-design, recycling, and reuse. Furthermore, the company is already 100% renewable in its European operations and in several countries in South America.
Telefónica’s initiatives, including connectivity, digital workplace solutions, cloud computing, public lighting transformation, intelligent transport and fleet management, and water and gas metering, collectively contribute to furthering the green transition and reducing energy consumption. This comprehensive approach aims to diminish energy consumption by up to 25%, offering energy audits, telemetry of consumption, and infrastructure renovation and installation.
In conclusion, technology functions as an ally in optimising the resources available to us and reducing energy consumption. The management of energy and natural resources, optimisation of energy production, and environmental sensing are key opportunities afforded by diverse technologies to progress towards a future with reduced energy consumption. The circular economy through reuse or recycling also presents opportunities for realising this future objective.
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