The discussion highlighted quantification as a core component of Europe’s twin transition and a key enabler for scaling sustainable digital transformation. Participants agreed that sustainability commitments need to be underpinned by robust and measurable evidence, which in turn requires methodologies that are both scientifically sound and widely applicable. In this context, initiatives such as the EGDC framework were recognised as contributing to a shared approach for assessing the environmental impact of digital technologies.

The panel highlighted that digital technologies can play an important role in decarbonisation, provided their own environmental footprint is measured transparently. Clear and reliable emissions data make it possible to demonstrate the net benefits of IT-enabled solutions. This transparency helps build confidence among public and private stakeholders, supports informed investment decisions, and facilitates the integration of sustainability criteria into procurement and innovation policies.

From a financing perspective, the discussion highlighted the importance of methodologies that align with the EU taxonomy and international climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement, in facilitating access to green finance. Participants also pointed to persistent challenges, such as the limitations of traditional ESG reporting for ICT systems and the need for more dynamic, demand-based metrics that reflect real-time performance. Looking ahead, the discussion underlined the importance of cross-sector collaboration, simplified assessment frameworks, and open data access to ensure that sustainability considerations are embedded in digital transformation strategies from the outset.