GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Information Technology Industry Statistics

ICT industry advances sustainability with renewable energy, efficiency, and circular practices.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

As of 2023, over 70% of corporate data is stored in the cloud, reducing the need for physical hardware and promoting resource efficiency

Statistic 2

The global e-waste generated in 2022 reached over 57 million metric tons, with only about 17.4% being formally recycled

Statistic 3

The average lifespan of consumer electronics has decreased from 7 years in 2010 to 4.5 years in 2020, increasing e-waste generation

Statistic 4

The majority of ICT companies that set net-zero targets have incorporated circular economy principles into their strategies, with 65% doing so by 2023

Statistic 5

In 2022, only about 20% of data storage hardware globally was recycled or refurbished, underscoring the need for increased e-waste management efforts

Statistic 6

The percentage of ICT companies with comprehensive sustainability reporting increased from 25% in 2018 to over 60% in 2023, indicating improved transparency

Statistic 7

The trend toward modular data centers, which are easier to upgrade and recycle, is growing at an annual rate of 18%, promoting sustainability

Statistic 8

The proportion of recycled electronic components in manufacturing increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022, demonstrating industry progress

Statistic 9

Industry initiatives promoting circular electronics aim to extend the lifespan of devices by refurbishing and repurposing, with over 45% of companies adopting such practices in 2023

Statistic 10

Public awareness campaigns about e-waste recycling have increased the recycling rate by 15% across major cities globally since 2019, promoting responsible disposal

Statistic 11

The use of AI and machine learning in optimizing data center energy usage can reduce power consumption by up to 20%

Statistic 12

Cloud computing can be up to 80% more energy-efficient than traditional on-premises IT infrastructure

Statistic 13

Adoption of energy-efficient hardware in data centers can reduce energy use by up to 30%, contributing significantly to sustainability goals

Statistic 14

The industry’s move to virtualization has decreased physical server counts by over 60% in the last decade, reducing energy and resource consumption

Statistic 15

Green certifications like ENERGY STAR are now held by over 300,000 data center equipment units globally, ensuring energy efficiency

Statistic 16

In 2022, global investments in green tech for IT infrastructure reached approximately $25 billion, reflecting growing industry commitment

Statistic 17

Sustainable software development practices can reduce energy consumption of applications by up to 35%, according to recent research

Statistic 18

70% of data centers are now deploying AI-driven cooling systems to optimize energy efficiency, leading to average reductions of 15-20% in cooling energy

Statistic 19

The average energy efficiency rating of new ICT hardware in 2023 improved by 15% compared to 2020, driven by green technology standards

Statistic 20

The global ICT industry is projected to save over $300 billion annually through energy efficiency improvements and sustainability initiatives by 2030

Statistic 21

Sustainable data center cooling solutions, such as free cooling and liquid cooling, are now adopted by over 45% of green data centers, significantly lowering energy use

Statistic 22

The number of software solutions focused on energy management in IT infrastructure increased by over 70% between 2020 and 2023, demonstrating rising industry focus

Statistic 23

Green IT initiatives can lead to a reduction of up to 40% in energy costs for large-scale organizations, saving billions annually

Statistic 24

Over 30% of global data centers are now utilizing hybrid cloud solutions to optimize resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact

Statistic 25

The use of digital twin technology in data centers can optimize operations, reducing energy consumption by up to 25%, and improving predictive maintenance

Statistic 26

The use of biodegradable packaging for electronic components is increasing, with 30% of companies adopting such solutions in 2023

Statistic 27

The lifecycle assessment of smartphones shows that manufacturing and raw material extraction contribute up to 80% of their total carbon footprint, highlighting the importance of sustainable design

Statistic 28

The use of sustainable materials in packaging electronic devices is rising, with biodegradable plastics increasing by 20% annually, reducing plastic waste

Statistic 29

The global ICT sector accounted for approximately 2-4% of total greenhouse gas emissions as of 2020

Statistic 30

Data centers consume about 1% of the world's electricity, which is comparable to the aviation industry's energy consumption

Statistic 31

The ICT industry is responsible for roughly 4% of global carbon emissions, which is projected to double by 2030 without intervention

Statistic 32

By 2025, the global data center industry is expected to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% through energy-efficient designs

Statistic 33

More than 80% of ICT companies have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030

Statistic 34

The adoption of renewable energy for data centers has increased by over 50% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 35

Telecommuting facilitated by ICT solutions can reduce carbon emissions from transportation by up to 70%

Statistic 36

The production of ICT devices accounts for approximately 70% of their lifetime emissions, emphasizing the importance of sustainable manufacturing

Statistic 37

The carbon footprint of streaming video accounts for about 1-2% of global emissions, driven by data transmission and storage

Statistic 38

Approximately 60% of data centers worldwide are now implementing renewable energy sources, up from 40% in 2018

Statistic 39

Nearly 50% of organizations are now reporting sustainability metrics related to their ICT infrastructure, up from 20% in 2019

Statistic 40

Digital transformation initiatives that incorporate sustainability metrics can lead to a 20-30% reduction in resource consumption

Statistic 41

The use of solar-powered data centers increased by 35% from 2021 to 2023, reflecting industry efforts to decarbonize data storage

Statistic 42

The adoption of green cloud services by large enterprises grew by 50% in the last two years, indicating a shift towards sustainable cloud computing

Statistic 43

Green data center design standards such as LEED and BREEAM are applied in over 1,000 facilities worldwide, promoting sustainability in construction

Statistic 44

Adoption of telepresence and VR technologies for reducing business travel has the potential to cut related emissions by up to 60%, according to industry analyses

Statistic 45

Approximately 80% of consumers are now more likely to purchase electronics from brands with clear sustainability commitments, influencing corporate standards

Statistic 46

The incorporation of life cycle assessments (LCA) in product development is at an all-time high, with 55% of technology companies regularly applying LCA, enhancing sustainable design

Statistic 47

Raw material extraction for electronic components contributes to over 70% of the environmental footprint of the ICT hardware lifecycle, key to improving sustainability

Statistic 48

The adoption of eco-labeling standards for ICT products is increasing, with over 150 labels and certifications now recognized globally, encouraging greener choices

Statistic 49

The global green data center market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting increasing demand for sustainable infrastructure

Statistic 50

Renewable energy investments in the ICT sector are expected to account for nearly 40% of corporate renewables commitments by 2025, according to industry reports

Statistic 51

The development of eco-friendly semiconductor manufacturing processes has led to a 50% reduction in water usage compared to traditional methods, supporting sustainability efforts

Statistic 52

The application of energy harvesting for powering IoT devices can reduce reliance on batteries by 40%, increasing overall sustainability of IoT deployments

Statistic 53

Governments worldwide are introducing regulations to incentivize the adoption of green ICT infrastructure, with over 60 countries implementing such policies by 2023

Statistic 54

The shift towards sustainable practices in the IT industry is estimated to create over 2 million jobs globally by 2030, aligning economic growth with environmental goals

Statistic 55

Sustainable sourcing of rare earth materials used in electronics is gaining importance, with 60% of companies now implementing responsible sourcing policies

Statistic 56

The ICT industry’s efforts to improve supply chain sustainability can reduce associated emissions by 20%, according to recent studies

Statistic 57

The use of blockchain for supply chain transparency in electronics manufacturing is increasing, with 45% of companies exploring such solutions

Statistic 58

Sustainable procurement policies are adopted by over 75% of tech firms, aimed at reducing environmental impact of supply chains

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The global ICT sector accounted for approximately 2-4% of total greenhouse gas emissions as of 2020
Data centers consume about 1% of the world's electricity, which is comparable to the aviation industry's energy consumption
The ICT industry is responsible for roughly 4% of global carbon emissions, which is projected to double by 2030 without intervention
By 2025, the global data center industry is expected to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% through energy-efficient designs
More than 80% of ICT companies have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030
The adoption of renewable energy for data centers has increased by over 50% from 2019 to 2022
The use of AI and machine learning in optimizing data center energy usage can reduce power consumption by up to 20%
Telecommuting facilitated by ICT solutions can reduce carbon emissions from transportation by up to 70%
The production of ICT devices accounts for approximately 70% of their lifetime emissions, emphasizing the importance of sustainable manufacturing
The global e-waste generated in 2022 reached over 57 million metric tons, with only about 17.4% being formally recycled
Sustainable sourcing of rare earth materials used in electronics is gaining importance, with 60% of companies now implementing responsible sourcing policies
Cloud computing can be up to 80% more energy-efficient than traditional on-premises IT infrastructure
The carbon footprint of streaming video accounts for about 1-2% of global emissions, driven by data transmission and storage

As the digital world accelerates, the tech industry is increasingly turning green—reducing emissions, embracing renewable energy, and pioneering innovative sustainable solutions to ensure our high-tech future doesn’t come at the planet’s expense.

Digital Transformation and Sustainable Software

As of 2023, over 70% of corporate data is stored in the cloud, reducing the need for physical hardware and promoting resource efficiency

Digital Transformation and Sustainable Software Interpretation

With over 70% of corporate data now residing in the cloud, IT firms are quietly turning their servers into virtual trees—cutting hardware clutter while planting seeds for a more sustainable digital future.

E-waste Management and Recycling

The global e-waste generated in 2022 reached over 57 million metric tons, with only about 17.4% being formally recycled
The average lifespan of consumer electronics has decreased from 7 years in 2010 to 4.5 years in 2020, increasing e-waste generation
The majority of ICT companies that set net-zero targets have incorporated circular economy principles into their strategies, with 65% doing so by 2023
In 2022, only about 20% of data storage hardware globally was recycled or refurbished, underscoring the need for increased e-waste management efforts
The percentage of ICT companies with comprehensive sustainability reporting increased from 25% in 2018 to over 60% in 2023, indicating improved transparency
The trend toward modular data centers, which are easier to upgrade and recycle, is growing at an annual rate of 18%, promoting sustainability
The proportion of recycled electronic components in manufacturing increased by 25% from 2019 to 2022, demonstrating industry progress
Industry initiatives promoting circular electronics aim to extend the lifespan of devices by refurbishing and repurposing, with over 45% of companies adopting such practices in 2023
Public awareness campaigns about e-waste recycling have increased the recycling rate by 15% across major cities globally since 2019, promoting responsible disposal

E-waste Management and Recycling Interpretation

While ICT companies are increasingly weaving circular principles into their sustainability strategies and public awareness is on the rise, the staggering 57 million metric tons of e-waste in 2022—of which only 17.4% is recycled—reminds us that in the race to innovate faster, we must also prioritize truly closing the loop before the planet becomes a discarded relic of technological excess.

Energy Efficiency and Green Technologies

The use of AI and machine learning in optimizing data center energy usage can reduce power consumption by up to 20%
Cloud computing can be up to 80% more energy-efficient than traditional on-premises IT infrastructure
Adoption of energy-efficient hardware in data centers can reduce energy use by up to 30%, contributing significantly to sustainability goals
The industry’s move to virtualization has decreased physical server counts by over 60% in the last decade, reducing energy and resource consumption
Green certifications like ENERGY STAR are now held by over 300,000 data center equipment units globally, ensuring energy efficiency
In 2022, global investments in green tech for IT infrastructure reached approximately $25 billion, reflecting growing industry commitment
Sustainable software development practices can reduce energy consumption of applications by up to 35%, according to recent research
70% of data centers are now deploying AI-driven cooling systems to optimize energy efficiency, leading to average reductions of 15-20% in cooling energy
The average energy efficiency rating of new ICT hardware in 2023 improved by 15% compared to 2020, driven by green technology standards
The global ICT industry is projected to save over $300 billion annually through energy efficiency improvements and sustainability initiatives by 2030
Sustainable data center cooling solutions, such as free cooling and liquid cooling, are now adopted by over 45% of green data centers, significantly lowering energy use
The number of software solutions focused on energy management in IT infrastructure increased by over 70% between 2020 and 2023, demonstrating rising industry focus
Green IT initiatives can lead to a reduction of up to 40% in energy costs for large-scale organizations, saving billions annually
Over 30% of global data centers are now utilizing hybrid cloud solutions to optimize resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact
The use of digital twin technology in data centers can optimize operations, reducing energy consumption by up to 25%, and improving predictive maintenance

Energy Efficiency and Green Technologies Interpretation

As the IT industry accelerates its green transformation—bolstered by AI, energy-efficient hardware, and innovative cooling solutions—it's clear that sustainability is no longer just a policy checkbox but a powerful driver toward reducing global energy consumption and costs by billions, proving that smarter tech choices aren't just eco-friendly—they're economically indispensable.

Environmental Sustainability

The use of biodegradable packaging for electronic components is increasing, with 30% of companies adopting such solutions in 2023
The lifecycle assessment of smartphones shows that manufacturing and raw material extraction contribute up to 80% of their total carbon footprint, highlighting the importance of sustainable design
The use of sustainable materials in packaging electronic devices is rising, with biodegradable plastics increasing by 20% annually, reducing plastic waste

Environmental Sustainability Interpretation

As the tech industry embraces biodegradable packaging and sustainable design—now used by 30% of companies and growing at 20% annually—it's clear that even our smartphones are being recharged with a greener future, making sustainable choices not just eco-friendly but essential in reducing the staggering 80% carbon footprint stemming from raw materials and manufacturing.

Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy

The global ICT sector accounted for approximately 2-4% of total greenhouse gas emissions as of 2020
Data centers consume about 1% of the world's electricity, which is comparable to the aviation industry's energy consumption
The ICT industry is responsible for roughly 4% of global carbon emissions, which is projected to double by 2030 without intervention
By 2025, the global data center industry is expected to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% through energy-efficient designs
More than 80% of ICT companies have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030
The adoption of renewable energy for data centers has increased by over 50% from 2019 to 2022
Telecommuting facilitated by ICT solutions can reduce carbon emissions from transportation by up to 70%
The production of ICT devices accounts for approximately 70% of their lifetime emissions, emphasizing the importance of sustainable manufacturing
The carbon footprint of streaming video accounts for about 1-2% of global emissions, driven by data transmission and storage
Approximately 60% of data centers worldwide are now implementing renewable energy sources, up from 40% in 2018
Nearly 50% of organizations are now reporting sustainability metrics related to their ICT infrastructure, up from 20% in 2019
Digital transformation initiatives that incorporate sustainability metrics can lead to a 20-30% reduction in resource consumption
The use of solar-powered data centers increased by 35% from 2021 to 2023, reflecting industry efforts to decarbonize data storage
The adoption of green cloud services by large enterprises grew by 50% in the last two years, indicating a shift towards sustainable cloud computing
Green data center design standards such as LEED and BREEAM are applied in over 1,000 facilities worldwide, promoting sustainability in construction
Adoption of telepresence and VR technologies for reducing business travel has the potential to cut related emissions by up to 60%, according to industry analyses
Approximately 80% of consumers are now more likely to purchase electronics from brands with clear sustainability commitments, influencing corporate standards
The incorporation of life cycle assessments (LCA) in product development is at an all-time high, with 55% of technology companies regularly applying LCA, enhancing sustainable design
Raw material extraction for electronic components contributes to over 70% of the environmental footprint of the ICT hardware lifecycle, key to improving sustainability
The adoption of eco-labeling standards for ICT products is increasing, with over 150 labels and certifications now recognized globally, encouraging greener choices
The global green data center market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting increasing demand for sustainable infrastructure
Renewable energy investments in the ICT sector are expected to account for nearly 40% of corporate renewables commitments by 2025, according to industry reports
The development of eco-friendly semiconductor manufacturing processes has led to a 50% reduction in water usage compared to traditional methods, supporting sustainability efforts
The application of energy harvesting for powering IoT devices can reduce reliance on batteries by 40%, increasing overall sustainability of IoT deployments
Governments worldwide are introducing regulations to incentivize the adoption of green ICT infrastructure, with over 60 countries implementing such policies by 2023
The shift towards sustainable practices in the IT industry is estimated to create over 2 million jobs globally by 2030, aligning economic growth with environmental goals

Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy Interpretation

As the ICT sector eyeing a greener future accelerates its adoption of renewable energy, sustainable design, and responsible manufacturing—aiming to double its carbon neutrality commitments and cut emissions by up to a quarter by 2025—it's clear that in the digital age, going green isn't just good policy; it's essential for survival or risk being left behind in the carbon dust of our own making.

Supply Chain Sustainability and Circular Economy

Sustainable sourcing of rare earth materials used in electronics is gaining importance, with 60% of companies now implementing responsible sourcing policies
The ICT industry’s efforts to improve supply chain sustainability can reduce associated emissions by 20%, according to recent studies
The use of blockchain for supply chain transparency in electronics manufacturing is increasing, with 45% of companies exploring such solutions
Sustainable procurement policies are adopted by over 75% of tech firms, aimed at reducing environmental impact of supply chains

Supply Chain Sustainability and Circular Economy Interpretation

As the tech industry shifts toward responsible sourcing and transparent supply chains—embracing blockchain and sustainable policies to cut emissions by 20%—it’s clear that even in a sector fueled by innovation, ecological responsibility is becoming the ultimate upgrade.