The level of digitization is increasing. Whether in business, society or administration - the digital change is noticeable in almost all areas of life. Examples include online orders or the use of data on mobile phones in private settings, as well as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or 3D printers in business and the digital citizen's office, where tax returns are submitted online. All of this is also good for the climate. In its study "Climate effects of digitization", the industry association Bitkom found that more than 70 million tons of CO₂ could be saved by 2030 thanks to digitization. "Digitization can contribute almost a quarter to Germany's self-imposed climate goals," says Bitkom Vice President Christina Raab. That is why digital change must be driven forward further. Because if the current pace continues, digitization could only contribute 16 percent to the CO₂ reduction target. In 2022, Germany's CO₂ emissions were still at 746 million tons and by 2030 they are expected to be 438 million tons. In order to further expand the digital structures, modern data centers are needed that can also be operated sustainably. High Knowledge GmbH offers innovative solutions for this.
The Bitkom study "Climate effects of digitalization" is multi-faceted. The study examines three possible scenarios for future CO₂ emissions and the CO₂ effect of the use of digital solutions in the particularly relevant sectors of energy, buildings, industry, transport and agriculture. Firstly, a pessimistic projection of high CO₂ emissions in 2030, and secondly, an optimistic projection of low emissions, for example by covering 85 percent of electricity needs with renewable energies. As a possible third assumption, the climate effects of digitalization are considered based on average CO₂ emissions. This option is between the pessimistic and particularly optimistic CO₂ projection.
Of course, digitalization itself also generates CO2. Climate-damaging emissions arise indirectly not only from operating these technologies, but also from using devices such as monitors, computers, mobile phones and tablets, and from operating network infrastructure and data centres. If digitalisation continues at its current pace, CO₂ emissions amount to 2.1 million tonnes. If the digital transformation accelerates, the carbon footprint of digital technologies across the five sectors could reach 3.8 million tonnes in 2030 in the middle of the three projections considered. It is therefore important to use and develop energy-saving technology. Technical measures for energy efficiency and waste heat recovery must consequently be assessed against the specific facility and its operating conditions.
Integrating sustainability and digital strategies
In which areas can the most CO₂ be saved, according to the study? Digitalization offers great opportunities, especially in the energy sector. Up to 26.4 million tons of CO₂ can be saved with accelerated digitalization and 24.5 million tons of carbon dioxide with standard digitalization. This can be achieved, for example, by using smart grids - so-called intelligent power grids. Here, power generation and consumption are precisely controlled. In the future, CO₂ emissions can also be reduced in the production and control of renewable energy sources. In the building sector, large amounts of CO₂ can also be saved through the use of digitalization. According to the study, this will be around 12.4 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2030 and up to 18.3 million tons if the spread of smart technologies such as smart home or networked building technology is promoted more strongly.
In industrial manufacturing, up to 12.7 million tons of CO₂ can be saved in 2030 with accelerated digitization, for example through automated production or the use of AI. With normal digitization, this would be 5.6 million tons. There are also opportunities to save carbon dioxide in the transport sector and in agriculture. "Digital climate protection is a huge opportunity for the German economy. Companies can maintain and increase their competitiveness while saving CO₂ at the same time," says Bitkom Vice President Christina Raab. But this also means that companies must closely combine their climate and sustainability strategy with their digitization strategy. This of course also applies to data center operators.
Mastering digitalization sustainably
As digital applications grow, requirements for computing capacity, power supply and operations change. Operators should therefore consider technological development, energy demand and applicable legal obligations together.
Germany's Energy Efficiency Act sets requirements for data centres. The obligations that apply are assessed against the facility, its operator, commissioning date and the statutory conditions. Metering strategies, cooling and waste heat recovery should therefore be considered early in project planning.
Test and build sustainably
For existing facilities, a structured assessment provides the basis for improvements. A DC Check considers factors including the site, infrastructure, load profile and available operational data. The resulting areas for action support further planning; the check does not automatically constitute certification.
Blue DC combines modular data centre infrastructure with coordinated cooling and planned waste heat recovery. Achievable energy and emissions outcomes depend on the design, location and operation. Comparisons require defined system boundaries, reference cases and assessment periods.
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The design of a Blue DC project is tailored to its IT load, availability and protection requirements. Certifications relate to the specific facility assessed and the agreed scope. Use of the Blue Angel label requires the prescribed award procedure. Sustainable Data Center is High Knowledge's own certification scheme and provides a separate assessment framework.
Conclusion
Digital applications can open up new possibilities. Their actual environmental impacts must be considered alongside the resources required for devices, networks and data centres. Transparent planning provides the basis for assessing energy demand, resources and use within a specific project.
Company and procedural statements updated on 8 September 2026; the study presented is treated as a source for the scenarios considered at that time.
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