Abstract
The environmental impact of Industry 4.0 and related technologies remains relatively unknown, with little research devoted to investigating the impact on sustainability aspects, resulting in a greater need for climate reporting. However, impacts of data transmission have historically been the least studied part of the information and communication technology sector, and there is currently no consensus on how to correctly assess it. In an attempt to guide process development within the area in the hopes that future life cycle assessments will be created, this study sought to identify, examine, and address potential challenges that might occur when assessing the environmental impact of network traffic during its life cycle. Through a combination of a literature review and semi-systematic research interviews with identified experts within the field of research, several areas in the form of knowledge gaps, unsolved methodological issues, and areas in need of further development were identified and assessed. The results show that eight key challenges exist in the areas of system boundaries, data collection methods, energy intensity metrics, transparency and data availability, age of data, allocation procedures, assumptions, and limited coverage of impact categories. Several approaches to address said challenges are presented, as well as areas in need of further investigation. It is furthermore suggested that the sector should strive to agree upon several parameters of significance to enable future harmonized life cycle studies of network traffic.
Highlights
A limited number of interviewees were included in the study, they were selected among renowned experts in the field, from both industry and academia, and covering different areas of competence related to Life cycle assessment (LCA) of network traffic
As a result, based on the types of challenges identified and what emerged as a common view in the interviews, we suggest that future research on the topic should not result in a fixed set of rules, but rather in a commonly accepted methodology, which in turn could enable future harmonized life cycle assessments of network traffic
The results showed eight key challenges within the areas of system boundaries, data collection methods, energy intensity metrics, transparency and data availability, allocation procedures, age of data, assumptions within the life cycle inventory (LCI) phase, and limited coverage of impact categories
Summary
The evolution of Industry 4.0 and related technologies such as the Internet of Things and big data analytics carry high expectations to enable transition to a more environmentally sustainable society. The impact on the environment of information and communication technology (ICT), which is crucial in achieving this development, is still largely unknown, with little research devoted to investigating the impacts [1,2]. Sparse research exists that comprehensively evaluates the environmental impact of the ICT sector with all elements included [3]. Many case studies lack information regarding the impacts of user equipment and Internet data services, and the impacts of network transmission itself has historically been the least studied part of the whole sector [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
