Digital sustainability: data management and resources

Digital sustainability: data management and resources

digital sustainability: data management and resources

The progressive digitization of our society is undoubtedly connected to a variety of advantages and contributes to the improvement of numerous areas of life. But too often it is forgotten that the digital world is also based on limited resources and that their extraction and use can have significant effects on our environment. This is where the concept of digital sustainability comes in. This article examines the key areas of data management and resource efficiency and provides concrete suggestions on how to ensure more sustainability in the digital world.

What is digital sustainability?

Digital sustainability is an approach for the design and use of digital technologies that aim to minimize the negative effects on the environment and society and at the same time maximize the positive effects. The concept is closely related to the principles of sustainability, as defined in the United Nations Agenda 2030.

The role of data management

In the digital world, a constantly growing amount of data is generated, processed and saved. This "big data" brings with it both challenges and opportunities.

The challenges of the big data

energy consumption

In data centers in which most of this data are processed and stored, there is considerable energy consumption. According to the 2019 Borderstep study, information technology and communication (ICT) in Germany alone accounted for 3.9 percent of total electricity consumption. A more conscious handling of data and more efficient data management strategies can make an important contribution to reducing energy consumption.

resource consumption

In addition, the production of storage media and servers is associated with a significant burden on the environment. Rare earths and other raw materials needed for the production of hardware are limited and their dismantling often has serious social and environmental consequences.

data jar

Another challenge is the so -called data waste. This is data that is no longer used, but still remain stored and thus waste storage space and energy.

The chances of big data for sustainability

Optimization of processes

However, data can not only be a burden, but also a key to solving sustainability problems. Through an intelligent analysis of large amounts of data, processes and processes can be optimized and resources can be saved.

sustainability assessment

Data can also be used to evaluate and improve the sustainability of products and services. For example, through Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) data on the environmental impact on products can be collected and analyzed.

strategies for sustainable data management

Sustainable data management aims to minimize the negative effects of data processing and maximize the positive.

data minimization

The principle of data minimization means only collecting and saving the really necessary data. This not only protects resources, but also corresponds to the requirements of data protection.

Efficient data processing

The efficiency of data processing can be increased, for example, by using energy -efficient hardware and software. In addition, data centers can be designed in such a way that they use energy efficiently and use waste heat.

recycling of data

The reuse of data can increase its benefits and reduce the need to collect new data. Data protection must of course be observed.

Sustainable procurement and disposal of IT hardware

The sustainable procurement of IT hardware concerns both the selection of more environmentally friendly and more socially acceptable products as well as a fair and environmentally friendly disposal of old devices.

FAZIT

Digital sustainability is an important contribution to securing our natural resources and promoting a just society. Sustainable data management is a central strategic challenge, but also offers a variety of opportunities. Through intelligent use and processing of data, not only resources can be saved, but also important findings for the design of a sustainable future can be gained.