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EU demands 20% energy cut from tech industry

Reding calls for IT to act on emissions

Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Information Society and Media, is calling on the IT industry to cut energy use by 20 per cent by 2020.

She said existing measures would only deliver 13 per cent by the deadline, but better use of ICT could help Europe hit the 20 per cent target. Smart metering could save European consumers €1000 a year in energy bills.

Home working and ecommerce could also save energy, Reding claimed.

In her weekly video message (bit energy intensive isn't it?) she called for a New Green Deal for Europe, especially in light of the economic downturn because Europe is a world leader in IT and green technologies.

She urged the IT industry to lead the way by aiming for a 20 per cent cut by 2015 rather than 2020. But the industry, which only accounts for two per cent of CO2 emissions within Europe, can also help other industries to cut their energy use by better use of technology.

Some tech firms are already setting their own voluntary targets for cutting energy use - some as high as 80 per cent.

The Commission has launched a consultation on better use of green IT. It will issue a policy instrument based on this consultation in the autumn.

Reding urged viewers to get involved - the video and more information is here. ®

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