Effect of using households' information and communication technology on CO 2 emissions-empirical evidence of the city of Novi Sad.

Globally, the carbon footprint (CF) is constantly increasing, contrasting with the decreasing trend observed for decades in the European Union (EU) countries, where EU guidelines are responsibly followed and outlined in its strategic documents. Information and communication technology (ICT) carbon emissions have historically increased in parallel with global emissions, contributing to continuous increases in ICT's CF over time, even when excluding full life cycle emissions. This study examines the impact of ICT on household electricity consumption, aiming to quantify the potential reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through improved household energy efficiency. The methodology includes the data collection on ICT device usage in households within the city of Novi Sad (Republic of Serbia), employing the survey method that queries respondents on device quantities and their usage patterns. This study provides results for decision-makers to recognize concrete benefits from the transition to a circular economy (CE) and low-carbon emissions, which are reflected as benefits for the local community and socio-economic environment.
(© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)