A detailed and tailored approach to carbon lifecycle assessments is essential for digital infrastructure owners to meet sustainability goals and regulatory demands, according to Hugues-Antoine Lacour and Sabre Konidaris of Analysys Mason.
The research highlights the critical need for robust methodologies to accurately model and manage emissions throughout the lifecycle of digital assets, including fibre networks, mobile infrastructure, and data centres.
As global temperatures rise beyond 1.5ºC and regulatory pressures mount—driven by initiatives like the European Green Deal and the UK’s 81% emissions reduction target by 2035—digital infrastructure operators face escalating expectations from regulators, investors, and consumers.
Comprehensive lifecycle assessments, encompassing manufacturing, operation, and decommissioning, are necessary to quantify carbon footprints and ensure alignment with sustainable financing criteria and compliance standards, the report said.
The analysis emphasizes a four-stage approach for best-in-class lifecycle assessments:
- Scope Definition: Clearly outline boundaries, lifecycle stages, and impact categories.
- Detailed Asset Modelling: Map infrastructure needs using population and geo-analysis data.
- Emission Estimation: Apply local carbon factors to material and energy usage.
- Future Emissions Modelling: Project and analyze scenarios for carbon reduction, including renewable energy adoption and durable designs.
The report also underscores the importance of accounting for regional variations, such as local energy sources and transport methods, in carbon calculations. Effective modelling provides clarity on carbon reduction pathways, allowing asset owners to identify cost-efficient solutions and future-proof their operations against evolving standards.