Newspaper companies and ICT from an environmental perspective
Project title
Newspaper companies and ICT from an environmental perspective (2009-2010)
Project description
The aim of the project was to investigate the potential of ICT solutions contributing to environmental improvements in media companies. Four Swedish newspaper companies and TU, the Swedish Media Publishers Association, participated actively in the project. The project team narrowed the study down to business meetings at a distance and sought to identify and discuss conditions for these as well as to estimate their environmental potential.
Time and financial savings were identified as the main forces driving companies and individuals to consider meeting at a distance. Appropriate technology, infrastructure and confidence in using and handling the equipment were also important factors. Environmental considerations within the companies appeared to be a side-effect rather than a direct driver.
The environmental assessment was limited to potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and cumulative energy demand (CED) related to different types of business meetings, using a life cycle perspective. Furthermore the potential environmental benefit at two hypothetical companies introducing mediated meetings was assessed.
In comparison with physical meetings less advanced technical solutions for mediated meetings were clearly beneficial regarding greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative energy demand. Advanced equipment was shown to require more frequent use to prove beneficial from an environmental point of view when compared to business meetings traveled to by train.
The project team concluded that the introduction of mediated meetings in companies and organizations should involve a thorough consideration of needs and possible solutions to enable best possible environmental benefits. Companies should consider the everyday practices their employees are engaged in and reflect on the broader context within which these practices take place.
Project leaders
Göran Finnveden (until June 2010)
Åsa Moberg (from June 2010)
Partners
Bonnier, TU (Tidningsutgivarna)
Contact
Åsa Moberg (asa.moberg@abe.kth.se)
