Knast, Joanna. (2005). Assessing Opportunities for ICT to Contribute to Sustainable Development. Brussels: Developed for the DG Information Society of the European Commission.
Sustainable development is defined up front as, “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (3). They highlight three forms of sustainability: economic, social and environmental. They highlight 6 unsustainable trends: climate change, public health, poverty and social exclusion, aging society, management of natural resources, and mobility and transport (3). They point to the contribution made by ICT to EU GDP growth, at about 25%.
ICT is acknowledged to be either a factor in contributing to negative trends or positive trends. There is “little evidence” of greater “resource-use efficiency in the ‘new economy’” (4). But, through a holistic approach (I believe that this means an approach that combines government, civil society and business), movements in positive directions can be had.
ICT can reduce environmental impacts. ICT can contribute to social inclusion by providing those excluded with virtual access to events, training, etc. ICT can help grow the economy. ICT can reduce climate change. ICT has not, however, bridged the digital divide (5).
Social inclusion: more opportunities are provided to the poor; better distribution of human capital; improved quality of life; more efficient public administration; improved governance; improved participation; improved access to health services and education; increased access to cultural expression; better combination of home/work/education.
Environmental sustainability: must break link between GDP growth and environmental degradation; decoupling can be absolute or relative; ASA helpful in identifying environmental trends in this regard; product-service shift; energy management in buildings; improved transportation efficiency; requires shift to knowledge economy.
Energy efficiency: generates great growth with little electrical use; better management of energy use in buildings; more intelligent buildings; Waste Electric and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) a major problem; recycling a key component in this regard; efficient transportation by improved rail network; improved satellite use (Galileo); transport substitution (i.e. work at home).
Governance: holistic approach to using ICT required; three major drivers are 1.) acting in conformity with regulation; 2.) catering for companies’ good reputation; 3.) realizing the efficiency benefits of their own technologies (19); must measure impacts and progress; measure corporate social responsibility (CSR) metrics.
Leveraging and Catalysing: need conditions to establish consistent results; governments can demand sustainable development; EU to encourage green procedures; business stakeholders and civil society need to be included; create European core of “Business Leaders” in ICT (21)
