Carbon Footprint Auditing Tools and Standards in IT: Solutions, Practices, and Emerging Trends

Authors

Surbhi Kanthed

Abstract

This white paper provides a comprehensive analysis of carbon footprint auditing tools and standards within the Information Technology (IT) sector. It underscores the importance of accurate carbon footprint assessments given the IT industry’s rising energy demand and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The paper begins by highlighting the relevance of carbon footprint auditing amid escalating global environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. A thorough literature review examines recognized frameworks and tools, revealing gaps that hamper effective carbon footprint management, such as fragmented standards and insufficient real-time monitoring solutions.
Building on these insights, the paper advances a set of solution-driven best practices tailored to IT environments. These practices range from developing a unified carbon accounting framework (IT-CAF) aligned with existing standards to employing AI-driven workload optimization for energy savings. Real-world case studies in finance, e-commerce, and telecommunications demonstrate how organizations have successfully implemented these measures, seeing both environmental benefits and cost savings. The paper also discusses emerging trends, including AI-driven energy optimization, renewable energy integration, and innovative cooling techniques. It concludes with a synthesis of key findings and strategic recommendations for future research and adoption.

Keywords

Carbon Footprint, IT Sustainability, GHG Emissions, Data Centers, Cloud Computing, Lifecycle Assessment, Scope 3 Emissions, AI Optimization, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Monitoring Tools, Virtualization, Compliance, Circular Economy, Blockchain Auditing.

Carbon Footprint Auditing Tools and Standards in IT: Solutions, Practices, and Emerging Trends. Surbhi Kanthed. 2024. IJIRCT, Volume 10, Issue 3. Pages 1-10. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2503091