On 10 November 2022,  the European Green Digital Coalition hosted a session at the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub Pavilion, at the COP27 in Egypt. (Re)watch the session here!

This session allowed to present the EGDC’s work, which is unique as it uses real-life data from real-life pilots to measure the exact impact of digital solutions and make sure they have a “triple win”: economic, social and environmental benefits.

The three first real-life EGDC case studies in the transport and building sectors where presented:

• 5G to improve the operations of a harbour (Port of Livorno), such as workforce’s safety, reduction of carbon emissions and operational efficiency (Provided by Ericsson, based on EU-funded project research results);
  
  
• A Building Management System which allows to assess air temperature, air quality, as well as efficient heating, cooling and lighting needs of a building, allowing to save up to 30% of energy use (Provided by Schneider Electric);
  
  
• A Building Management System which allows energy-efficient electricity transmission and reduces the needs of raw materials (copper, steel) by enabling dematerialisation (Provided by Cisco).

The panel discussion also addressed challenges encountered within the EGDC’s work, such as data availability. Indeed, measuring progress requires to have available data on current and past processes, while solutions have often not been built with measuring energy use and emissions in mind. In addition, the positive impact of a digital solution often lies outside of the providing company’s value chain. 

Thus, the success of the EGDC’s goals will depend on increased collaboration and interdependence between all stakeholders.