In an era where the climate crisis looms large, the impact of digitalization on our environment often goes unnoticed. The EcoDigital project, part of the Erasmus+ KA2 initiative, aims to shed light on this pressing issue and take action to mitigate its effects. Running from November 2022 until April 2025, EcoDigital is on a mission to reduce the environmental footprint of digitalization while enhancing digital and green skills among students and educators.

As the global economy rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, carbon emissions are poised to reach unprecedented levels. Despite the urgent need to address climate change, the environmental impact of digital technology remains largely overlooked. Surprisingly, the production, use, and data transfer of digital devices contribute significantly to CO2 emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis.

According to studies, the internet and its supporting systems produce a staggering 900 million tons of CO2 annually—equivalent to the emissions of a large industrialized nation like Germany. Furthermore, if current trends persist, internet networks could consume 20 percent of the world's total energy within a decade. This stark reality underscores the importance of tackling digital waste and promoting sustainable digital practices.

The scope of the Project:

Recognizing the unsustainable trajectory of digitalization, the EcoDigital project seeks to raise awareness and develop educational resources to address this issue. By engaging both students and educators, EcoDigital aims to foster a culture of responsible digital consumption and reduce carbon emissions associated with digital technology

Key Objectives:

1. Raising Awareness: EcoDigital aims to increase awareness of the environmental impact of digitalization among students, educators, and the wider community.

2. Expanding Training and Educational Tools: The project endeavors to develop training resources and educational materials on sustainable digitalization, empowering individuals to reduce their carbon footprint.

3. Enhancing Digital Skills: EcoDigital goes beyond basic digital literacy, focusing on cultivating competencies related to sustainable digital transformation.

4. Reshaping Policy Agendas: By assessing capacities for sustainable digitalization, EcoDigital aims to influence policy agendas and integrate the benefits of responsible digital practices into educational frameworks.

Outputs and Results:

1. Through the EcoDigital project, several outputs and results are anticipated:
2. Teachers' Capacity Building Programme: Equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to promote sustainable digital practices in the classroom.
3. School Curriculum Integration: Developing educational resources and integrating them into school curricula to educate students about the environmental impact of digitalization.
4. Assessment Tools: Creating tools to assess students' competencies in sustainable digitalization.
5. Policy Recommendations: Offering guidance and recommendations to policymakers in the education sector to support sustainable digital initiatives.

Target Groups:

The EcoDigital project primarily targets:

1. Teachers and Educational Staff: Empowering educators to incorporate sustainable digital practices into their teaching methodologies.
2. Students: Educating young learners (aged 10-18) about the environmental impact of digitalization and fostering responsible digital behavior.
3. Wider Society: Engaging the broader community in discussions surrounding sustainable digitalization and its implications for the environment.

As we navigate the complexities of the climate crisis, addressing the environmental impact of digitalization is paramount. Through initiatives like EcoDigital, we can empower individuals to embrace sustainable digital practices, thereby reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. By raising awareness, fostering digital skills, and reshaping policy agendas, EcoDigital paves the way for a greener, more sustainable future in the digital age.

Further information:

Home - Eco Digital (ecodigital-project.eu)