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Introduction
We are looking for organisations interested in submitting digital solutions they are deploying (as a user or technology provider) to test and apply the EGDC Net Carbon Methodology (NCM) and calculate the net carbon impact of an ICT solution.
We are looking for the following types of digital solutions:
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- An end-to-end ICT/digital solution using digital technologies for activities including monitoring, analysis, and communication.
- The solution results in emissions savings – this can often occur through a reduction in resource use, but it can be any mechanism.
Both implemented and pre-implemented solutions are welcome.
Why are we developing case studies?
To demonstrate the net positive impact that digital technologies can have across multiple sectors
To offer insights into the calculation of the net carbon impact of real-life digital solutions
To emphasise the importance of robust data practices in accurately assessing net climate impacts
What will one case study include?
- A calculator to measure the net carbon impact of the ICT solution from its implementation. The net carbon impact of an ICT solution is measured by assessing the difference in greenhouse gas emissions between two scenarios within the same boundary:
- A counter-factual scenario (the reference scenario) without the implementation of the ICT Solution.
- A solution scenario with the implemented ICT solution.
- A methodology document
- A case study summary
What is the added value for participating organisation?
Access to capital
This initiative can assist in securing sustainable finance
Access to free advisory support
To develop accurate avoided emissions case studies
Gain positive public relations
The case studies can be used externally to demonstrate your impact at EGDC events, international events attended by EGDC and your own marketing and communications
Growth opportunities
By developing the solutions reducing emissions for your customers
What is the added value for participating organisation?
Step 1
Submit your interest to the EGDC (link below)
Step 2
Kick-off meeting between EGDC and interested organisation
Step 3
Data review and finalisation
Step 4
Case study calculation and methodology development
Step 5
Case study review meeting
Step 6
Review by EGDC and advisory board Communication of the case study on EGDC website and social media accounts.
Do you want to join us?
Questions? Drop us an email at secretariat@greendigitalcoalition.eu
Frequently Asked Questions
CASE STUDY SUBMISSION PROCESS
What criteria will be used to select the 50 use cases from more than 50 submissions?
The primary criteria will be the quality and completeness of the data. Carbon Trust will be responsible for checking and ranking the quality and completeness of the data.
There will be no political considerations in the selection process. If there are more than 50 equally top-quality cases, the selection will aim to spread the cases across different sectors and geographies to ensure a diverse representation.
The sectors include energy, transport, construction, buildings, agriculture, smart cities, manufacturing, and healthcare. The future potential impact of the solution in terms of scalability and alignment with a net-zero economy may also be considered at this stage.
Can a city’s citizen portal, which reduces the need for citizens to travel to administrative buildings, be considered a use case?
Yes, a citizen portal can be considered a use case. Primary data is not required for every element of the use case. Secondary research and travel pattern data can also be used to demonstrate the impact. The focus will be on understanding the emissions generated in implementing the solution, the technical layers, and the technologies involved.
Any data collected during the development of the solution that shows the impact on travel patterns will be beneficial.
Can a use case from Senegal be submitted, and when will the data collection phase take place?
Yes, a use case from Senegal [or any other global position] can be submitted, as long as it meets the eligibility criteria. The data collection phase will be staggered throughout the two-year project. If the use case is completed and developed in the next year, the case study can start in 2026.
However, if it is completed by the end of 2026, it would be too late for inclusion in the project.
How does the methodology handle confidential business data?
The methodology handles confidential business data by using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). This ensures that any sensitive data shared for the purpose of calculations remains confidential between the parties involved, such as the business and the Carbon Trust.
Only the results of the calculations are made public, allowing businesses to protect their proprietary information while still participating in the assessment.
Is there a standard format for transferring collected data to Carbon Trust?
There is no specific format for transferring collected data to Carbon Trust. Excel will be used to work with the data and structure it appropriately. The amount of time required to provide data will depend on the kind of data needed. An initial call can be arranged, to understand what data is required and provide guidance, before investing resources in data collection.
COST AND RESOURCES
Are there any costs associated with participating in the project, and what is the budget for the city's involvement?
There are no particular costs associated with participating in the project. The city’s involvement in meetings, especially those held in Brussels, is encouraged without major financial challenges. However, the city would need to fund its own resources to provide data for the case study.
The amount of time required to provide data will depend on the kind of data needed. An initial call will be held to understand what data is required before investing resources in data collection.
Is the inclusion of a customer in the meetings required or optional?
The inclusion of a customer in the meetings is beneficial as it provides real-world data on how the solution is implemented. It adds credibility to the submitted ICT solution and helps in collecting quality data about the implementation.
Engaging with the customers or beneficiaries of the solution ensures that the data is representative of how the solution is used in practice.
What are the expectations for supporting partners in the second phase of the project?
Supporting partners are expected to help identify and gather data for the project. They should assist in developing tools based on the calculated cases and align with standards bodies to avoid market confusion.
Supporting partners are also expected to help others develop their own cases and ensure compatibility with ITU standards. The goal is to create a uniform ICT for avoided emissions framework
METHODOLOGY
How does the methodology align with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles, particularly those outlined in ISO 14044 and how does it address the comparison between scenarios with and without ICT?
The methodology is designed to align closely with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles, particularly those outlined in ISO 14044. It mimics the way an LCA is conducted by establishing clear boundaries and inventory for each scenario. When comparing scenarios, such as a reference scenario and an ICT solution scenario, each is footprinted according to LCA principles. This means that the assessment will consider the entire life cycle, including development, use phase, and potentially end-of-life, to identify improvements brought by ICT.
Is the methodology open to sectors beyond the initial sectors [building/construction, energy/power, transport, manufacturing, agriculture, smart cities], such as video conferencing, e-commerce, or other digital solutions not currently covered?
Yes, the methodology is open to other sectors beyond the initial seven prioritised sectors. While the current project may prioritise the sectors outlined above, due to resource constraints, the methodology is designed to be applicable to any digital solution impact across various sectors.
The goal is to eventually extend its application more broadly. Additionally, the methodology does not require solutions to be exclusively designed for climate benefits; they can also be implemented for economic or social reasons, ideally offering a triple benefit. After the project, it is hoped that trained professionals, particularly those from the European Green Digital Coalition (EGDC), will help apply these calculations across all sectors and solutions.
How does EGDC deal with AI solutions vs. non-AI digital solutions (and according to ITU standards)?
The methodology does not distinguish between AI and non-AI solutions; both types of solutions can be submitted and evaluated. The current methodology is designed to be applicable to AI solutions as well, although different approaches may be needed to collect relevant data for AI-specific cases.
Regarding ITU standards, there are ongoing developments and discussions about standards specific to AI. However, these have not yet been fully integrated into the current methodology. Relevant aspects specific to AI that need to be included, they should be identified and incorporated through updates to the methodology, particularly through engagement with the ITU and other standards organisations.
How is the net overhead emission from an ICT solution calculated, and is it based on ITU recommendations?
The EGDC methodology, which is fully aligned with ITU, will be used to calculate the net emissions from an ICT solution. The methodology ensures compliance with ITU standards and provides detailed guidance on application. The EGDC methodology is richer in terms of contextual guidance and ensures alignment with other emerging standards, such as those from the World Business Council.
Given the challenges in defining a non-ICT reference scenario due to the ubiquity of ICT in modern processes, how might the methodology be updated to consider reference scenarios that include some ICT use?
The methodology may be updated to allow for some ICT use in the reference scenario, particularly in cases where there are significant changes in how ICT is used, rather than just incremental improvements. The goal is to ensure the methodology remains practical and applicable to real-world situations.
Whilst the ideal scenario for assessing the impact of a digital solution should not have the digital solution partially implemented, it is logical to allow some ICT in the reference scenario. This approach will help differentiate the “before” and “after” effects of the digital solution and make the methodology more pragmatic. Updates to the wording and concepts are being considered to reflect these nuances better.
How can the methodology be transitioned from its current form to a formal global standard, and what steps are being considered for this process?
The methodology, while not currently a formal standard, is closely aligned with ITU Recommendation L.1480 and collaborates with standards organisations like ETSI to ensure technical conformity. To transition it into a formal global standard, discussions with organisations such as ISO and IEC are being considered
How does the European Green Digital Coalition plan to address the broader environmental and social impacts of ICT, particularly with the rise of AI and its effects on employment and skills?
The European Green Digital Coalition (EGDC) acknowledges that focusing solely on carbon benefits is not sufficient for addressing the full spectrum of environmental impacts. The plan is to eventually expand the methodology to include other environmental factors beyond just carbon emissions. Additionally, the social dimensions, such as the impact on employment and skills due to technological shifts like AI, are recognised as crucial.
The Coalition is starting with measurable aspects like carbon to enable climate finance but understands the importance of moving towards a broader set of environmental and social considerations. However, addressing social issues presents unique challenges, particularly in quantification, as social scientists often avoid reducing social impacts to simple numerical values.
The goal is to bring sustainable finance into the digital revolution, which will help fund the necessary upskilling and address human-related issues that arise from increased digitalisation. This approach aims to ensure that the scaling of digital solutions is accompanied by adequate human resource development, supported by financial resources from investors and public banks. The sequence involves starting with environmental metrics that are easier to quantify and then gradually incorporating more complex social dimensions.
Does the methodology consider the carbon impact of the supply chain in the procurement of raw materials for ICT hardware solutions?
Yes, the methodology considers the carbon impact of the supply chain. It takes a full life cycle view of the ICT solutions, which includes assessing the carbon footprint of the procurement and manufacturing processes of the raw materials used in ICT hardware. This comprehensive approach ensures that the carbon impacts of the supply chain are included in the overall assessment of the solution’s net carbon impact.
Introduction
We are looking to cooperate with financial institutions (commercial banks, national development banks, multilateral institutions) to develop and design NCM-aligned eligibility criteria, and test them.
The criteria will be fully EU Taxonomy-aligned, as the NCM is included in the Climate Delegated Act FAQ 8.2 as tool to assess data-driven solutions for GHG emissions reduction.
What's in for you?
Having well-defined criteria for what qualifies as a green digital solution offers several concrete advantages:
Access to free advisory support
To design eligibility criteria that are Taxonomy-aligned and science-based
Enhance image and reputation
Supporting projects that combine digital innovation with measurable climate benefits helps reinforce a bank’s commitment to sustainability, while also enhancing its reputation among clients, regulators, and investors
Growth opportunities
Public and blended finance often comes with spending conditions, like the RRF’s 20% digital and 37% green requirements or EIB green credit lines*. Clear criteria make it easier to demonstrate alignment and unlock these funds
*More on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) here.
What is the process?
May-July 2025
Onboarding of financial institutions by the EDGC team
July-December 2025
Gap analysis of the existing eligibility criteria to assess the extent to which the FI criteria are aligned with the EGDC Methodology / High-level portfolio review to identify the main types of relevant solutions / Recommendations for EGDC Methodology aligned eligibility criteria
December 2025 - November 2026
Application of the criteria to real use-cases and refinement
Do you want to join?
We are seeking financial institutions, whether or not they have specific criteria for digital solutions.
Drop us a mail at secretariat@greendigitalcoalition.eu and we can schedule a meeting!
Introduction
We are looking for stakeholders experienced in avoided emissions calculations, case study development and, preferably, use of the current methodology to simplify the EGDC methodology, while maintaining scientific integrity, to enable stakeholders to monitor and quantify the net carbon impact of ICT solutions practically and efficiently.
What is the process?
Step 1: Engagement call between the interested stakeholders and the EDGC team
Step 2: Identification of changes to methodology
- Stakeholders provide feedback on identified areas of change and submit their own suggestions
- Participation in engagement workshops to refine proposed changes
Step 3: Update of the methodology
- Provide written feedback on revised drafts of the methodology / methodology sections
Do you want to join?
Drop us a mail at secretariat@greendigitalcoalition.eu