The Environmental Impact of Digital Technology: How can we Reconcile Progress and Ecology?


Authors : Said Bribich; Zaynab Bouchkara; Amal Biynkhar

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 9 - September

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5h52ybc7

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/vx7vbwbd

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25sep1087

PlumX Metrics

Semantic Scholar

ResearchGate

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.

Abstract : The rapid expansion of the digital sector, a major driver of innovation, raises pressing environmental concerns. While information and communication technologies (ICT) provide numerous opportunities, their development entails high-energy consumption and increasing generation of electronic waste. This ecological footprint, far from negligible, represents a significant challenge to the health of our planet. Addressing it requires adopting more sustainable practices to mitigate the environmental impact of digital technologies. In this context, the concept of Green IT, sometimes also referred to as sustainable IT, has emerged as a promising approach. It aims to minimize the environmental impact of ICT throughout their entire life cycle, from design to disposal. Key practices include eco-design, energy efficiency improvements, and responsible management of electronic waste. Adopting such strategies, helps reduce the environmental damage associated with the digital industry. Our research examines the environmental challenges arising from the widespread use of digital technologies and explores initiatives promoting sustainability. By focusing on energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources, we investigate how companies can decrease their ecological footprint while still benefiting from digital innovation. We also explore how technological progress can be aligned with environmental responsibility. To achieve this, we combine a comprehensive literature review with a field survey of companies that have implemented Green IT practices. The study identifies best practices, the obstacles encountered, and the levers that can accelerate the transition to sustainable digitalization. Our analysis addresses several dimensions: assessing the environmental footprint of ICT (notably carbon emissions and electronic waste), reviewing initiatives such as eco-design and energy optimization, examining factors that facilitate or hinder adoption, and evaluating the environmental, economic, and social benefits of these practices. The findings of this study provide concrete recommendations for businesses, policymakers, and civil society actors, aiming to foster a digital economy where innovation and environmental stewardship are pursued together rather than as competing priorities.

Keywords : Sustainable IT, Green IT, Eco-Design, Energy Efficiency, Ecological Transition, Sustainable Development.

References :

  1. Porwal, P. D. (2023). Green business and environmental sustainability. Trends in Banking, Accounting and Business, 2(1), 41–50. https://doi.org/10.46632/tbab/2/1/7
  2. Abdulhafedh, A. (2021). The Analysis of Corporate Sustainability. Science and Education Publishing, 3, 6-11.
  3. Ahma, N., Youjin, L., Žiković, S., & Belyaeva, Z. (2022). The effects of technological innovation on sustainable development and environmental degradation: Evidence from China. Technology in Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.102184
  4. Ainin, S., Naqshbandi, M. M., & Dezdar, S. (2016). Impact of adoption of Green IT practices on organizational performance. Quality & Quantity, 50(5), 1929-1948.
  5. Andrae, A. S., & Edler, T. (2015). On global electricity usage of communication technology: trends to 2030. Challenges, 6(1), 117-157.
  6. Charfeddine, L., & Umlai, M. (2023). ICT sector, digitization and environmental sustainability: A systematic review of the literature from 2000 to 2022. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 184, 113482.
  7. Covucci, C., Confetto, M. G., Ključnikov, A., & Panait, M. (2024). Unrevealing the nexus between digital sustainability and corporate digital responsibility: A dual-track systematic literature review towards a framework of corporate digital sustainability. Technology in Society, 79, 102743.
  8. Cricelli, L., & Strazzullo, S. (2021). The economic aspect of digital sustainability: A systematic review. Sustainability, 13(15), 8241.
  9. Daoud, M. K., Taha, S., Al-Qeed, M., Alsafadi, Y., Ahmad, A. Y. B., & Allahham, M. (2024). EcoConnect: Guiding environmental awareness via digital marketing approaches. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8(1), 235-242.
  10. De la Calle, A., Freije, I., & Oyarbide, A. F. (2021). Digital Product–Service Innovation and Sustaina-bil-ity: A Multiple-Case Study in the Capital Goods Industry. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6342.
  11. De Lange, D. E., Busch, T., & Delgado-Ceballos, J. (2012). Sustaining sustainability in organizations. Journal of business ethics, 110(2), 151-156.
  12. EL MZABI, A., & KHIHEL, F. (2018). Green IT une solution informatique pour
  13. Green, I. T. Prise en compte des effets environnementaux de l'éducation numérique dans l'UE.
  14. Gupta, S. (2024). Sustainability in Technology and Green IT. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2024.64890
  15. Hajj-Hassan, M., Chaker, R., & Cederqvist, A. M. (2024). Environmental education: A systematic review on the use of digital tools for fostering sustainability awareness. Sustainability, 16(9), 3733.
  16. HALFAOUI, N. F. W., Grenoble, I. A. E., & Centrale, A. L’adoption du Green IT dans les pratiques des systèmes d’information.
  17. He, W. W., He, S. L., & Hou, H. L. (2024). Digital economy, technological innovation, and sustainable development. Plos one, 19(7), e0305520.
  18. Hernandez, A. A. (2020). Green IT adoption practices in education sector: a developing country perspective. In Waste Management: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp. 1379-1395). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
  19. Javeed, S. A., Yang, X., Latief, R., Ong, T. S., & Jinglu, L. (2025). Digital technologies and sustainable development: An insight from corporate sector. Sustainable Development.
  20. Jayasundara, J. M. S. B., Rajapakshe, P. S. K., Prasanna, R. P. I. R., Naradda Gamage, S. K., Ekanayake, E. M. S., & Abeyrathne, G. A. K. N. J. (2019). The nature of sustainability challenge in small and medium enterprises and its management.
  21. Kunkel, S., & Matthess, M. (2020). Digital transformation and environmental sustainability in industry: Putting expectations in Asian and African policies into perspective. Environmental science & policy, 112, 318-329.
  22. Kwilinski, A., Lyulyov, O., & Pimonenko, T. (2023). Environmental sustainability within attaining sustainable development goals: The role of digitalization and the transport sector. Sustainability, 15(14), 11282.
  23. Lei, C. F., Ngai, E. W., Lo, C. W., & See-To, E. W. (2023). Green IT/IS adoption and environmental performance: The synergistic roles of IT–business strategic alignment and environmental motivation. Information & Management, 60(8), 103886.
  24. Li, Y., Xu, H., Li, H., & Xu, Y. (2025). Digital economy, environmental regulations, and green economic development. Finance Research Letters, 75, 106858.
  25. Liu, Y., Huang, H., Mbanyele, W., Li, X., & Balezentis, T. (2025). Harnessing supply chain digital innovation for enhanced corporate environmental practices and sustainable growth. Energy Economics, 142, 108161.
  26. Lloret, A. (2016). Modeling corporate sustainability strategy. Journal of Business Research, 69(2), 418-425.
  27. Maletič, M., Gomišček, B., & Maletič, D. (2021). The missing link: sustainability innovation practices, non-financial performance outcomes and economic performance. Management Research Review, 44(11), 1457-1477.
  28. Mariaux, S. (2019). Les organisations de l'économie sociale et solidaire face aux enjeux écologiques: stratégies de communication et d'action environnementale (Doctoral dissertation, Aix-Marseille Université).
  29. Martínez, J. M. G., Puertas, R., Martín, J. M. M., & Ribeiro-Soriano, D. (2022). Digitalization, innovation and environmental policies aimed at achieving sustainable production. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 32, 92-100.
  30. Mottaeva, A., Khussainova, Z., & Gordeyeva, Y. (2023). Impact of the digital economy on the development of economic systems. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 381, p. 02011). EDP Sciences.
  31. Moyano-Fuentes, J., Maqueira-Marín, J. M., & Bruque-Cámara, S. (2018). Process innovation and environmental sustainability engagement: An application on technological firms. Journal of Cleaner Production, 171, 844-856.
  32. Rajwani, P. (2020). Business strategies and environmental sustainability. BSSS Journal of Management, 11(1), 83–95.
  33. Oduor, O. P., & Franklin, W. (2024). The evolution of green computing: Current practices and societal implications.
  34. OECD. (2023). Green skills and jobs for a just transition. https://www.oecd.org/social/green-skills-and-jobs-for-a-just-transition-0c9364d0-en.htm
  35. Patón-Romero, J., Baldassarre, M., Piattini, M., & Guzmán, I. (2017). A Governance and
  36. Rahman, A. (2024). Sustainability In IT Practices: Researching Green It Strategies And Their Impact On Sustainable Business Practices. Innovatech Engineering Journal.
  37. Rajapathirana, R. P. J., & Hui, Y. (2018). Relationship between innovation capability, innovation type, and firm performance. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 3(1), 44–55.
  38. Riaz, A., Cepel, M., Ferraris, A., Ashfaq, K., & Rehman, S. U. (2024). Nexus among green intellectual capital, green information systems, green management initiatives and sustainable performance: a mediated-moderated perspective. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 25(2/3), 297-327.
  39. Roome, N. (1992). Developing Environmental Management Strategies. Business Strategy and the Environment, 1, 11–24.
  40. Salamzadeh, A., Hadizadeh, M., Rastgoo, N., Rahman, M., & Radfard, S. (2022). Sustainability-Oriented Innovation Foresight in International New Technology Based Firms. Sustainability.
  41. Santarius, T., Dencik, L., Diez, T., Ferreboeuf, H., Jankowski, P., Hankey, S., Hilbeck, A., Hilty, L., Höjer, M., Kleine, D., Lange, S., Pohl, J., Reisch, L., Ryghaug, M., Schwanen, T., & Staab, P. (2023). Digitalization and Sustainability: A Call for a Digital Green Deal. Environmental Science & Policy.
  42. Saqib, Z., & Qin, L. (2024). Investigating Effects of Digital Innovations on Sustainable Operations of Logistics: An Empirical Study. Sustainability.
  43. Schöggl, J. P., Baumgartner, R. J., & Hofer, D. (2017). Improving sustainability performance in early phases of product design: A checklist for sustainable product development tested in the automotive industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 140, 1602–1617.
  44. Severo, E. A., De Guimarães, J. C. F., & Dorion, E. C. H. (2015). Cleaner production, environmental sustainability and organizational performance: an empirical study in the Brazilian metal-mechanic industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142, 1–14.
  45. Singh, A. (2024). Sustainability Practices in Business Operations. International Journal for Research Publication and Seminar.
  46. Reinhardt, R., Christodoulou, I., Amante García, B., & Gassó-Domingo, S. (2020). Sustainable business model archetypes for the electric vehicle battery second use industry: Towards a conceptual framework. Journal of Cleaner Production, 254, 119994.
  47. Westerman, G., Bonnet, D., & McAfee, A. (2014). Leading digital: Turning technology into business transformation. Harvard Business Review Press.
  1. Willard, B. (2012). The New Sustainability Advantage: Seven Business Case Benefits of a Triple Bottom Line. New Society Publishers.
  2. Srivastava, S. K., & Panigrahi, P. K. (2019). Social Participation among the Elderly: Moderated Mediation Model of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 44, pp-pp.
  3. Xia, L., Baghaie, S., & Sajadi, M. (2023). The digital economy: Challenges and opportunities in the new era of technology and electronic communications. Ain Shams Engineering Journal.
  4. Xiao, D., & Su, J. (2022). Role of Technological Innovation in Achieving Social and Environmental Sustainability: Mediating Roles of Organizational Innovation and Digital Entrepreneurship. Frontiers in Public Health, 10.
  5. Ye, F., Zheng, J., Li, Y., Li, L., & Linghu, D. (2024). Exploring the fusion of greening and digitalization for sustainability. Journal of Cleaner Production.
  6. Zhang, S. (2024). The Impact of the Digital Economy on the Manufacturing Industry. Frontiers in Business, Economics and Management.
  7. Hu, Y., Yu, Y., & Mardani, A. (2021). Selection of carbon emissions control industries in China: An approach based on complex networks control perspective. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 172, 121030.
  8. Lohani, S. P., Gurung, P., Gautam, B., Kafle, U., Fulford, D., & Jeuland, M. (2023). Current status, prospects, and implications of renewable energy for achieving sustainable development goals in Nepal. Sustainable Development, 31(1), 572-585.
  9. Zhu, Q., Geng, Y., & Lai, K.-H. (2010). Circular economy practices among Chinese manufacturers varying in environmental-oriented supply chain cooperation and the performance implications. Journal of Environmental Management, 91(6), 1324–1331.
  10. Norgate, T. and Jahanshahi, S. (2010) Low Grade Ores-Smelt, Leach or Concentrate. Minerals Engineering, 23, 65-73.

The rapid expansion of the digital sector, a major driver of innovation, raises pressing environmental concerns. While information and communication technologies (ICT) provide numerous opportunities, their development entails high-energy consumption and increasing generation of electronic waste. This ecological footprint, far from negligible, represents a significant challenge to the health of our planet. Addressing it requires adopting more sustainable practices to mitigate the environmental impact of digital technologies. In this context, the concept of Green IT, sometimes also referred to as sustainable IT, has emerged as a promising approach. It aims to minimize the environmental impact of ICT throughout their entire life cycle, from design to disposal. Key practices include eco-design, energy efficiency improvements, and responsible management of electronic waste. Adopting such strategies, helps reduce the environmental damage associated with the digital industry. Our research examines the environmental challenges arising from the widespread use of digital technologies and explores initiatives promoting sustainability. By focusing on energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources, we investigate how companies can decrease their ecological footprint while still benefiting from digital innovation. We also explore how technological progress can be aligned with environmental responsibility. To achieve this, we combine a comprehensive literature review with a field survey of companies that have implemented Green IT practices. The study identifies best practices, the obstacles encountered, and the levers that can accelerate the transition to sustainable digitalization. Our analysis addresses several dimensions: assessing the environmental footprint of ICT (notably carbon emissions and electronic waste), reviewing initiatives such as eco-design and energy optimization, examining factors that facilitate or hinder adoption, and evaluating the environmental, economic, and social benefits of these practices. The findings of this study provide concrete recommendations for businesses, policymakers, and civil society actors, aiming to foster a digital economy where innovation and environmental stewardship are pursued together rather than as competing priorities.

Keywords : Sustainable IT, Green IT, Eco-Design, Energy Efficiency, Ecological Transition, Sustainable Development.

CALL FOR PAPERS


Paper Submission Last Date
31 - December - 2025

Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe