Podcast | Digital responsibility and the public sector

Ambitious targets

In 2021, a circular on eco-responsible public services set ambitious targets aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of French public services by 22% by 2027. The digital sector currently accounts for between 2% and 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underlining the need for concerted action to limit this impact.

MiNumEco leads a network of eco-responsible digital referents in each French ministry, steered by the Interministerial Digital Department (DINUM). Their mission is to monitor the ministerial roadmaps, measure the digital footprint, identify and share best practices, and raise awareness and train public servants. The main objectives are to extend the lifespan of hardware, monitor the performance of data centres and reuse 20% of the hardware in the ministries' IT fleets.

Main measures implemented

Since a circular issued by the French Prime Minister in February 2020, a number of measures have been put in place, such as the use of videoconferencing solutions to reduce travel and the setting up of platforms for exchanging and donating equipment. Public procurement is an important lever for boosting a more virtuous and sustainable economic sector.

French Laws against Waste and the Circular Economy (i.e. Loi contre le gaspillage et l'économie circulaire - AGEC) of 2020 and aiming to Reduce the Environmental Footprint of the Digital Economy (Loi visant à réduire l'empreinte environnementale de l'économie numérique - REEN) of 2021 have strengthened this framework. The REEN Act focuses on raising awareness of the environmental impact of digital technology, limiting equipment renewal and promoting ecologically virtuous digital uses. Measures such as the reparability index and the obligation to provide information on the environmental characteristics of products are major steps forward.

Incentive regulations

At European level, the Green Deal and various directives and regulations support these initiatives. The regulation on the eco-design of sustainable products sets out requirements for energy-related products, including digital devices. The European Commission is also planning a regulation on the eco-design of sustainable products, which will introduce a digital product passport (DPP).

At French local level, municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants must draw up a responsible digital strategy by 2025. This convergence of the digital and ecological transitions aims to make digital a tool for the ecological transition, optimising energy consumption and supporting the circular economy.

In conclusion

Public policy on digital responsibility in the public sector in France is evolving rapidly, supported by legislative and regulatory initiatives at various levels. MiNumEco, with the support of DINUM and the Ministry of Ecological Transition, is taking concrete action to reduce the environmental footprint of digital, promote reuse and eco-design, and raise awareness among public employees, thereby contributing to a more sustainable society.

➜ Find out more | Reducing the environmental footprint of public digital technology | Site de la Mission Interministérielle Numérique Écoresponsable.

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