The environmental sustainability of communication networks

This paper examines the environmental impact—both positive and negative—of communication networks, explores methods for measuring these effects, and highlights strategies to better align green and digital policies. As digital transformation and environmental sustainability increasingly go hand-in-hand—often referred to as the “twin transition”—communication networks play a crucial role in advancing these goals. Given the necessity of metrics to gauge progress, the report underscores the importance of harmonised methodologies to measure environmental impacts of digital technologies and the role of communication regulators in fostering the environmental sustainability of networks. It also showcases initiatives by OECD member countries and private sector efforts to achieve environmental goals. Finally, it addresses the challenges regulators face in balancing environmental sustainability with other policy objectives, underscoring the importance of horizontal and collaborative approaches.