Frequently Asked Questions

CASE STUDY PARTICIPATION

Can digital services or platforms that improve efficiency or reduce resource use be considered as a case study?

Yes, a wide variety of digital services and platforms that contribute to improved efficiency, reduced resource consumption, or lower emissions can qualify as use cases. While primary data is valuable, secondary data and research can also help demonstrate their impact.

For instance, a city’s citizens portal that reduces the need for citizens to travel to administrative buildings to complete procedures can be considered a use case.

The assessment focuses on understanding the emissions involved in implementing the solution, and the technologies and technical layers involved. Any relevant data collected during development or operation is helpful.

Are use cases from outside the European Union accepted?

Use cases from any location, including outside the European Union, are welcome if they meet eligibility criteria.

What is the selection criteria used to evaluate use cases?

Use cases are selected primarily based on the quality and completeness of their data. Each case is evaluated and ranked by the consortium team, with submissions objectively measured based on the provided information and without political influence. When many top-quality cases exist, selection aims for diversity across sectors such as energy, transport, construction, agriculture, smart cities, manufacturing, and healthcare, as well as geographic spread. The potential impact and scalability towards a net-zero economy are also considered.

What are the timelines for data collection?

We are currently accepting case studies that are either implemented or in the pre-implementation phase. The timeline involved for data collection is unique to each case and based on what has already been collected. The project is set to run until March 2027 with the fourth and final batch of case studies running in the months prior, Therefore, the solution must have data available no later than November 2026.

Please note that we are accepting cases on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore, if you have a solution that you would like to submit and your data will be available in the above timeline, we highly encourage a submission earlier to ensure that your solution gets a place in the 50 candidates list.

Data collection happens throughout the project’s duration. Use cases completed before the end of 2025 can start the case study in 2026.

Cases completed by the end of 2026 are not eligible for inclusion.

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 submitting collected data?

There is no specific data format required as each case typically has unique requirements for data collection. Excel will be used to organise data and to structure it appropriately, unless otherwise requested. The amount of time required to provide data depends on the type of data needed.

An initial call can be arranged to clarify what data is required and provide guidance, before investing resources in data collection.

COSTS AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

What costs and resources are expected from participating in the project, for individuals and organisations?

There are no financial costs involved in the submission and development of the case studies, as this project is fully funded by the European Commission. Participants are encouraged to attend meetings, including those in Brussels, with minimal financial burden. However, participants are responsible for allocating their own resources to collect and provide the necessary data as needed for their case study and requested by the consortium

Time investment varies based on the required data. An initial call can be held to understand what data is required before investing resources in data collection.

Is customer involvement in meetings mandatory or recommended?

While not mandatory, involving customers or beneficiaries in meetings, especially after a solution has been submitted, is recommended. The inclusion of a customer in the meetings 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 roles do supporting partners play in the project’s deployment phase?

Supporting partners are expected to assist with data identification and collection, contribute to tool development from case results, and collaborate with standards organisations to avoid market confusion. They are also expected to support others in developing cases and ensure alignment with ITU standards, helping establish a unified framework for ICT-related emissions reductions.

METHODOLOGY AND STANDARDS

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.

How are net emissions from ICT solutions calculated, and do they follow 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.

Are AI solutions treated differently from other 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 does the methodology handle reference scenarios that already include some ICT?

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 helps 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 better reflect these nuances.

What is the plan for turning the methodology into a formal global standard?

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.

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 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.

USING THE EGDC METHODOLOGY

What if my organisation’s core business is not covered by the EGDC methodology?

EGDC members whose core business is not covered by the methodology (e.g., connectivity) are not expected to report according to the EDGC Methodology. However, they are still encouraged to use it for those services and activities that might be covered and to promote the methodology to their partners and clients, as appropriate.

Can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use the EGDC methodology?

Yes, the methodology is designed for organisations of all sizes to measure and monitor the net savings of their ICT solutions. SMEs can use it to demonstrate their contributions to reducing carbon emissions and engage stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulatory bodies with credible and tangible data on their commitment to environmentally responsible operations.

Who is the EGDC Net Carbon Impact Assessment methodology intended for?

The methodology is designed for analysts and professionals involved in the development, deployment, and management of ICT solutions, as a tool for these professionals to evaluate their solutions’ impact, particularly in terms of their environmental footprint.

It is also useful for organisations in various sectors adopting ICT technologies, who want to use a robust framework to systematically assess the net carbon impact of such technologies. By adopting the methodology, sectors can make informed decisions about the integration of ICT solutions with a clear understanding of their environmental implications.

The outcomes of these assessments also support decision-makers in organisations, the investment community, and government bodies driving and financing the development and deployment of ICT solutions.

How do I start using the EGDC Net Carbon Impact Assessment methodology to assess a solution?

The assessment involves four main steps:

Defining the assessment
Identifying effects
Calculating effects
Analysis of results and other environmental impacts

Once these steps are completed, further guidance is provided to assessors on how and when to use the results to assess impact for other implementation contexts.

For detailed information on how to get started, consult this document. Additional sector-specific guidance for agriculture, buildings/construction, manufacturing, energy/power, smart cities, and transport can be found on this page.

How can organisations benefit from using the EGDC methodology?

Organizations can use the EGDC methodology to:

Facilitate ICT solutions evaluation for GHG emission reductions: The methodology is instrumental in guiding organisations through the systematic assessment of data-driven ICT solutions that contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, aligning with the criteria set forth by the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities.

Calculate and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs): It provides a structured approach to measure and track KPIs that reflect the investments made in developing and deploying ICT solutions. These solutions are characterised by their substantial energy and material efficiency, ultimately contributing to a net positive environmental impact.

The methodology does so by:

Assessing the net carbon impact of ICT solutions: It defines the process for evaluating the net carbon impact of an ICT solution within specific and multiple implementation scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the solution’s environmental footprint.
Differentiating between realized and potential future impacts: The methodology distinguishes between assessments of impacts that have already been realized and the future potential impacts, enabling a temporal analysis of ICT solutions’ environmental effects.
Communicating carbon impact clearly and credibly: The methodology offers a framework for aggregating the impacts of various ICT solutions, facilitating a collective assessment of their cumulative effect on carbon footprint reduction.
Attributing contributions to carbon impact among stakeholders: It addresses the allocation of credit for contributing to the net carbon impact of an ICT solution, specifying how and to what extent each contributor can claim responsibility for the positive outcomes.
Aggregating impacts from multiple ICT solutions: The methodology offers a framework for aggregating the impacts of various ICT solutions, facilitating a collective assessment of their cumulative effect on carbon footprint reduction.

Do I need to apply the EGDC methodology to all my reports?

All the coalition members are obliged to follow & apply the EGDC methodology. This requirement is extended to all external reports or affirmations on net carbon savings, such that they follow the methodology guidelines. Further, all internal and external reporting should also comply with the EGDC methodology.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at secretariat@greendigitalcoalition.eu.