Acting for sustainable digital development: what role can businesses play?

Climate Change and Digital Technology

While natural evolution has led to climate changes throughout history, today’s global warming is caused by human activity. 

And it’s not just about rising temperatures. Other serious consequences follow: water scarcity, increased wildfires, biodiversity loss, species extinction, and greater health risks. 

Taking action is the only way to limit these effects. 

The Environmental Impact of Digital Technology 

Technological innovations, data centres, and AI also have a footprint. The digital sector accounts for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions — and although emissions have decreased in France in 20231, the global trend remains upward. 

Yet technology can also be a lever for sustainable development. By measuring, tracking, analysing and monitoring environmental data, it can help guide policy decisions and responsible digital practices. 

Rethinking our approach has become essential. Everyone — businesses and individuals alike — must play a part in protecting the environment. 

Some simple guidelines: 

–  The 3 U Rule 
Focus on functional simplicity using the 3 U’s: Useful, Usable, Used. Isn’t it better to design around real needs and ensure a smooth, satisfying user experience? 

– Rethink your relationship with IT equipment 
Most of the digital sector’s carbon footprint comes from equipment. Why replace a perfectly functional PC? Is a new work phone or the latest smartphone truly necessary? A responsible approach is more important than ever. 

The Role of Government and Public Policy

The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) was a major step toward transparency and corporate accountability. Though now postponed and being revised with reduced ambition, VISEO has chosen to continue the momentum. We’re moving forward with implementation, to better identify sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities, and track our performance. 

Client Expectations

More and more clients want to know where companies stand on environmental issues. RFPs increasingly include CSR questionnaires, with sections focused on the environment: 

• Does the company measure its greenhouse gas emissions? 

• Are action plans and reduction targets in place? 

• Can data be provided to feed into the client’s own carbon accounting? 

Information sharing is key to continuous improvement on environmental matters. 

Sustainable digital development: how to Implement Effective Solutions?

To take meaningful action, companies need to first measure their carbon footprint and identify the biggest emission sources. 

Measuring Your Carbon Footprint 

Since 2010, some companies in France are required to conduct a carbon assessment every four years. 
At VISEO, our first assessment was carried out in 2019 (France). We renewed it on our own initiative in 2022, improving the methodology, and decided to repeat it annually, expanding its scope: 

• 2019: France 

• 2022: France, Spain, Morocco 

• Today: Over 85% of our total scope. 

We include all relevant scopes of emissions to cover the full value chain. 

To reduce uncertainty and improve accuracy, we gather data regularly throughout the year, including: 

• Electricity bills for all offices 

• Business travel details (air, rail, company cars) 

• Surveys to employees about their home–office commuting habits. 

Key Actions to Implement 

Once the major emission sources are identified, a decarbonisation strategy can be built. 

Here are some of the actions implemented at VISEO: 

– Purchasing Goods and Services: this is often the largest emissions source in our sector — covering furniture, licences, subcontracting, data storage, etc. 

We’ve taken several measures: 

• Collecting more precise data by asking our suppliers about their environmental policies and carbon data 

• Including CSR criteria in contracts, with ethical and CSR clauses to engage suppliers in the process. 

– Business Travel: We’ve adopted several mobility-focused actions: 

• Only hybrid or electric vehicles for company cars 

• Encourage sustainable transport like cycling, public transit, and carpooling 

• Promote smarter travel: opt for trains over planes, prioritise video calls, and organise schedules to reduce unnecessary trips. 

– Raising Awareness: raising awareness means going beyond digital issues to build a broader understanding of today’s climate challenges. 

At VISEO, we offer different formats of internal training: 

• An eco-action guide (eco-gestures) for the office, also applicable at home 

• Environmental challenges to promote behavioural change 

• Collaborative workshops like the Climate Fresk or the Digital Fresk (focused on digital impact) 

• Responsible digital learning modules available on our internal training platform. 

Sustainable digital technology, a major and unavoidable challenge for businesses 

Reducing environmental impact is a critical issue for companies as key stakeholders in society. 
It’s one of our main sustainability challenges — alongside inclusion and supporting our employees throughout their career paths.