On 9 July 2024, Access Partnership hosted a briefing in Brussels where industry executives discussed the future of EU sustainability policy, emphasising the importance of extending efforts beyond consumer products to encompass networks and infrastructure.
EU sustainability policy has traditionally focused on consumer products, mandating energy efficiency, and recycling standards. However, achieving comprehensive sustainability goals requires attention to the underlying digital infrastructure. Data centres, network infrastructure, and telecommunications equipment are significant energy consumers and have substantial environmental impacts.
Enhancing the sustainability of these components is crucial for reducing the overall carbon footprint of the digital economy. By focusing on making data centres more energy-efficient and promoting renewable energy use, the EU can significantly advance its climate goals. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability efforts permeate all levels of the digital ecosystem.
Data centres, for instance, are the backbone of the digital economy, supporting everything from cloud services to AI applications. However, they are also among the largest consumers of electricity. To address this, the EU is considering stricter energy efficiency standards, promoting the use of renewable energy sources and encouraging the development of innovative cooling technologies. These measures are designed to reduce the environmental impact of data centres while ensuring they can support the growing demands of the digital economy.
Similarly, the sustainability of network infrastructure is essential. Efficient network design and the use of energy-saving technologies can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of telecommunications. By focusing on these areas, the EU can ensure that its digital infrastructure is both robust and environmentally sustainable. This comprehensive approach to sustainability extends beyond individual products to the entire ecosystem, ensuring that every component contributes to the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship.
Promoting sustainability
Re-elected on 18 July 2024, President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the importance of sustainability in her vision, particularly through the Clean Industrial Deal. This initiative aims to decarbonize industries, create lead markets for clean technologies, and channel investments into energy-intensive sectors. Von der Leyen’s strengthened mandate reinforces her commitment to integrating sustainability into all aspects of the economy, ensuring Europe leads in climate action and sustainable growth.
Von der Leyen’s vision includes specific measures to promote sustainability in digital infrastructure. She has highlighted the need for significant investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure, including renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and innovative cooling solutions for data centres. Her commitment to sustainability extends to creating a regulatory environment that supports green innovation and reduces the carbon footprint of digital infrastructure.
The Clean Industrial Deal is a cornerstone of her vision, focusing on creating a sustainable industrial base that supports Europe’s climate goals. This deal includes measures to simplify regulatory processes, reduce energy costs, and promote the use of clean technologies across industries. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of the digital economy, von der Leyen aims to create a future where economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Strengthening industry positions
Industry stakeholders have a crucial role in advocating for policies that support sustainable digital infrastructure. Engaging in policy dialogues and contributing to the development of sustainability standards for data centres and networks is essential. Companies should collaborate with policymakers to promote the adoption of renewable energy and innovative cooling technologies. Additionally, forming alliances with environmental advocacy groups can strengthen industry positions and drive forward-looking policies.
By actively participating in policy development, businesses can help shape regulations that support sustainable practices while ensuring operational feasibility. This involvement allows companies to highlight the practical challenges of implementing new regulations and propose solutions that balance environmental goals with business realities. Industry players can also advocate for incentives and support mechanisms that encourage the adoption of sustainable technologies, such as tax breaks, grants, and funding for research and development.
Furthermore, businesses should focus on continuous engagement with policymakers to ensure that sustainability measures are effectively implemented and enforced. This ongoing dialogue can help identify and address any issues that arise during the implementation phase, ensuring that regulations achieve their intended outcomes. By working closely with regulators, industry players can contribute to creating a sustainable digital ecosystem that supports both economic growth and environmental protection.
Adaptive advocacy
As the EU shifts its sustainability focus to encompass digital infrastructure, businesses must adapt and advocate for supportive policies. Access Partnership offers unparalleled expertise in navigating this evolving landscape, ensuring your company stays ahead of regulatory changes. To learn more, please contact Matthew McDermott at [email protected].
