Information & Communication

The information and communication technology sector covers digital solutions that enable emissions reductions across the broader economy. While ICT's own carbon footprint is growing, its potential to drive efficiency gains in energy, transport, buildings, and industry is substantial.

Activities include data processing and hosting (subject to energy efficiency requirements), data-driven solutions for GHG emission reductions, software development for climate monitoring and optimisation, and telecommunications infrastructure. Data centres, for instance, must meet a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) threshold and use predominantly renewable energy.

Adaptation criteria require ICT infrastructure operators to assess physical climate risks to their facilities -- particularly cooling system resilience during extreme heat events, flood risk to server rooms and cable infrastructure, and power supply reliability under climate stress. Digital solutions that help other sectors adapt to climate change (e.g., climate modelling platforms, early warning systems) are also recognised as enabling activities.