ICT as an enabler for sustainable development

What is it about?

ICT offers a peculiar 21st Century conundrum as it offers both a cause and solution to rising carbon emissions. The growth in the digital economy is fueling increased energy consumption whilst affording new opportunities for reducing the environmental impacts of our daily lives. This paper responds and builds on Patrignani and Whitehouse’s overview of slow tech by providing examples of how ICT can be used to reduce energy. Encouraging examples are provided from the field of energy and buildings and implications for wider society are raised.

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Why is it important?

This paper provides clear and encouraging signs of how ICT can be used to contribute to sustainability through controlling systems more efficiently, facilitating behaviour change and reducing energy consumption. Future challenges and recommendations for future research are presented.