To fulfil the second action of the EGDC declaration[1], the EGDC EP Pilot Project selected 11 ICT solutions to serve as Case Studies and provide practical examples of calculating the net carbon impact of an ICT solution*. The Case Studies were selected among ICT solutions submitted by Coalition members and other EGDC stakeholders. They cover the six different sectors (Energy/Power, Transport, Construction/Buildings, Manufacturing, Agriculture and Smart Cities), identified as priority areas by the EGDC.
Data from each case study was collated to build a calculator to measure the net environmental impact of the respective ICT solution during its implementation.
* The net carbon impact of an ICT solution is the comparison between the carbon impacts of a scenario with an ICT solution and a reference scenario without the ICT solution within the same boundary. The total positive and negative carbon impacts of each scenario are considered including all direct and indirect effects within the boundary of the assessment.
The development of these Case Study Calculators contributed to refining the EGDC Net Carbon Impact Assessment Methodology for ICT solutions. The assessment of the net environmental impact of the Case Studies was conducted concurrently with the methodology’s creation, providing a valuable testing ground for its initial formulation.
The Case Studies offer insights into the calculation of the net carbon impact of real-life digital solutions, showcasing the practical application of the EGDC Methodology. Additionally, Case Studies shed light on critical considerations such as data availability and quality when applying the methodology, emphasising the importance of robust data practices in accurately assessing net climate impacts. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting the results, considering the variances in data quality and the evolving nature of the methodology. The Case Study findings are indicative of the methodology’s potential and its room for refinement as we work towards more accurate and comprehensive assessments of net carbon impacts.
[1] „To engage with relevant organisations to develop standardised, credible and comparable assessment methodologies for the net impact of green digital solutions on the environment and climate in priority sectors such as energy, transport, manufacturing, agriculture and the building sector.” Read the full EGDC Declaration here.
The following disclaimer is intended to provide clarity and context for the case studies developed as part of the EGDC EP Pilot Project, which have showcased the net carbon impact of specific digital solutions using the EGDC Net Carbon Impact Assessment Methodology. This text should be read before consulting the below Case Studies.
The case studies served multiple purposes, including:
It is imperative to emphasise that data quality is a fundamental determinant of the quality and reliability of the case studies. The accuracy and completeness of the data used significantly influence the outcomes and findings of these case studies.
It is essential to acknowledge that the data available for each case study may differ in terms of accuracy, granularity, and coverage. As a result, the case studies may not necessarily represent the best practice application of the EGDC ICT Methodology. Instead, they reflect the application of the methodology at various stages of data availability.
While reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the information contained within the case studies is correct, the EGDC gives no warranty and makes no representation as to its accuracy. We accept no liability for any errors or omissions that may be present in the case studies, methodology, or related information. Users and readers are advised to exercise their judgment and seek further clarification if needed, as the information provided may evolve over time and depend on external factors beyond our control.
The case study calculators are intended for educational and informational purposes.
They rely on certain assumptions and input data to generate results.
The results of the calculators are specific to the implementation of the ICT solution and may not be representative for other implementation contexts.
As such, it is imperative for users to refrain from directly extrapolating these results to ICT solutions or implementation contexts that may seem conceptually similar.
Instead, users are advised to use the calculators as a means to understand the practical application of the EGDC ICT Methodology, thereby equipping themselves with the knowledge required to develop customised calculators specifically tailored to their unique ICT solutions and implementation circumstances.
In conclusion, these case studies provide valuable insights into the calculation of the net carbon impact of digital solutions through the practical application of the EGDC ICT Methodology. However, it is vital to exercise caution when interpreting the results, considering the variances in data quality and the evolving nature of the methodology. The findings are indicative of the methodology’s potential and its room for refinement as we work towards more accurate and comprehensive assessments of net carbon impacts.
The Case Studies consists in one Excel calculator and one methodology document providing additional context and transparency around the calculator. Both documents should be consulted to ensure the outcomes are interpreted and used correctly.
Discover the case studies by clicking on the sector icons below.
This solution uses 5G technologies to enhance the exchange of real-time information among actors in a port’s terminal process (in this case Port of Livorno in Italy). This activity can lead to a reduction in movements of cargo handling, significantly optimizing the process overall and lower fuel consumption, reducing CO2 emissions.
The Port of Livorno case was originally developed in collaboration between the Port of Livorno, Ericsson, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) and the National Inter-University CNIT as part of the EU H2020 project Corealis.
Logic TMS is a transport management system offered as an end-to-end solution for carriers. Logic TMS brings the entire order management process to a modern cloud-based platform, providing real-time control and insights that help optimize every stage of the transport process, including fleet and fuel utilization and order management. The AI-enabled AutoPlanner tool help calculate best route combination, highlighting associated fuel and cost savings.
PREDRI is a fleet optimisation solution that leverages on-board monitoring with Artificial Intelligence to optimise routes and encourage efficient and safe driving. Continuous reporting of mechanical parameters helps to anticipate failures and prevent high damage, ultimately extending the life of various mechanical parts. Together with an integrated refueling and spare part stock system, PREDRI increases fuel efficiency, fine-tunes maintenance, and extends the life of exhaustive spare parts.
c-BEMS is a cloud-based SaaS (software-as-a-service) tool for the Building energy management system (BEMS) that achieves high energy savings for any kind of buildings through building automation technologies. It implements remote control of multi-zonal HVAC /lighting systems via Wi-Fi connected sensors in a unique IoT platform by employing AI/ML algorithms and Model Predictive Control to automate the energy/lighting consumption behaviour detection, thermal modelling of the building, energy demand prediction (forecasting) tool and optimization along with an added feature of a CO2 operational emissions calculator.
This solution automates management processes to enable emissions savings from energy reduction in non-residential buildings. It allows for control of air quality, temperature, occupant comfort, lighting and heating. These commercial systems provide high levels of control which optimize space, time and energy use.
The Dynamic Line Rating Platform is based on the use of dynamic line rating system that enables Electric System Operators to operate transmission lines using real time data and forecasts. The system encompasses conductor sensors and local weather stations, IoT communications, a cloud platform and an algorithm that computes the real time thermal rating and the forecasting. With this system, the System Operator can make use of the idle capacity that already exists in the lines, increasing the capacity of the network to integrate renewable energy into the power system. The deployment of the DLR allows to avoid manufacture of steel structures, use of big cranes and their corresponding emissions.
The IBM Flex Platform is a solution that can help governments, municipalities and corporations, through the use of emerging technologies such as IoT and AI, to connect and aggregate their demand-side flexibility across a large fleet of commercial buildings, heat pumps, heating and cooling elements, batteries, solar panels and electric vehicles (EV) charging stations.
Ekobot is an autonomous, electric field robot for mechanical weed control, which is connected to Telia’s 5G network. It allows for efficient and environmentally conscious farming. Ekobot can identify and mechanically remove weeds using advanced camera sensors and AI. It enables reductions in the use of chemicals on the field for healthier crops, soil, and production.
GlobeTrack by Atea is a blockchain solution that tracks fish stock transport across cold-chain stages from Norway to a municipal district in Sweden. This tracking technology monitors food stock data metrics such as temperature, location during transport etc. to enable reduced fish stock wastage, more efficient and sustainable value chains and to improve food quality and traceability for customers.
The Integrated Operations Center platform is a digital enablement platform that increases productivity, efficiency and growth through agile introduction and largely automated utilization of digital operational technology assets and capabilities. It is part of the Smart City project of the Nicosia municipality in Cyprus in cooperation with Cyta, where among other operations, it is also used to provide information on waste bin fillings and traffic information using video analytics to reduce overall transport emissions and pollution levels. The main objective of Smart Nicosia project is the development and use of new technological means that will improve the management and functionality of the urban environment in the city of Nicosia.
The DELMIA-Apriso solution is a Manufacturing Operations Management tool which helps manufacturers transform global production lines by virtually modelling factory floor operations and live data transfer. This solution enables carbon savings from reduced energy consumption and reduced scrap waste achieved through the optimisation of manufacturing processes.
The case studies were collected via three successive rounds. The selection process and criteria are described below.
The case studies were selected based on a selection process comprised of 3 successive steps:
Step 1: Pre-selection requirements – to ensure minimum requirements are met by the case study, namely:
Step 2: Case study categorisation – to ensure a broad range of case studies
All case study suggestions were categorised by sector, and whether they address one of the key issues of the identified priority sectors.
Overall, the aim will be to have at least 2 case studies for each priority sector and at least 1 case study that addresses a key issue of its sector.
Step 3: Scoring criteria – case studies were prioritised based on the following key criteria: