Expected Environmental Impacts of Pervasive Computing

TLDR

Pervasive Computing is expected to increase material and energy consumption and electronic waste pollution, but its overall environmental impact will largely depend on energy and waste policies governing ICT development. The study aims to compare the first‑order environmental impacts of pervasive computing with second‑order eco‑efficiency benefits from process optimization and dematerialization. The analysis shows that second‑order eco‑efficiency gains can outweigh first‑order impacts, yet third‑order rebound effects often offset these savings.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Pervasive Computing will bring about both additional loads on and benefits to the environment. The prevailing assessment of positive and negative effects will depend on how effectively energy and waste policy governs the development of ICT infrastructures and applications in the coming years. Although Pervasive Computing is not expected to change the impact of the technosphere on the environment radically, it may cause additional material and energy consumption due to the production and use of ICT as well as severe pollution risks that may come about as a result of the disposal of electronic waste. These first-order environmental impacts are to be set off against the second-order effects, such as higher eco-efficiency due to the possibility to optimize material and energy intensive processes or to replace them by pure signal processing (dematerialization). The potential environmental benefits from such second-order effects are considerable and can outweigh the first-order effects. But changes in demand for more efficient services (third-order effects) can counterbalance these savings. The experience gained thus far with ICT impacts has shown that such a rebound effect occurs in most cases of technological innovations.