September 29, 2010 The Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) recently released a methodology to measure how new initiatives and technologies, such as smart buildings or videoconferencing systems, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The tool, outlined in “Evaluating the Carbon-Reducing Impacts of ICT,” is a follow-up to a widely-cited report that predicted the ICT sector can reduce global GHG emissions by as much as 15 percent over the next 10 years.
The tool uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, but also considers the emissions saved or generated by changes in the business as usual scenario as a result of the ICT solution. The methodology is based on three steps: defining the goal and scope of the study; limiting the life cycle processes of relevant components identified in step 1; and assessing and interpreting the net enabling effect.
The report, produced on behalf of the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), also includes six case studies illustrating how the ICT Enablement Methodology works.
