Information and communication technology (ICT) firms employ 6.6 million people across the European Union and contribute to more than 40% of the overall growth in productivity. ICTs are already present in almost every sector of the European economy, but the European Commission is encouraging their wider roll-out to help the economy become more environmentally-friendly.
Information and communication technologies can help curb global warming, but the sector is also coming under growing pressure from various sectors. Recent studies have shown that little is to be expected from virtual technologies such as teleworking, video-conferencing and e-commerce. Although all are increasingly commonplace, the 'dematerialisation' of the economy only accounts for 6% of the estimated low-carbon benefits the ICT sector can deliver. These studies have stressed the need of rethinking energy consumption related to the way we live, work and play in a low-carbon world. New business models that drive low-carbon alternatives can be developed across all sectors of the economy.
The event will be an opportunity for attendees to discuss the transformational power of ICTs for making our world more sustainable: saving energy and material resources by creating more value from less input of limited natural resources, and increasing quality of life for all without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.
For further information, please visit http://www.ict4s.org/the-conference/about/
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