Technology, media and communications
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The impact on a low-carbon economy
Technology, media, and communications play a crucial role in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. These sectors drive sustainable behavior change and offer technology solutions for sustainable development. However, they also contribute to a growing data carbon footprint.
The telecommunications industry, responsible for 2-3% of global energy demand, is expected to increase energy use by 37% by 2030 with the expansion of 5G networks. Data centers, which consume about 1% of global energy-related carbon emissions, are also growing due to AI and Machine Learning advancements. Despite improvements in energy efficiency since 2010, rapid decarbonization is essential to halve emissions by 2030.
Digital transition
The digital transition presents major growth opportunities, with 2.9 billion people still offline. This connectivity can drive sustainable development and financial inclusion. However, failing to achieve a low-carbon digital world poses risks, including increased costs and reputational damage. Companies must balance growth with emission reductions through accurate carbon footprinting, particularly in scope 3 emissions. Businesses that position themselves as low-carbon solutions for digital growth will attract investors, governments, employees, customers, and partners.
Much of our work in the technology, media and communication sector has included carbon footprinting, Net zero services, IFRS/CSRD risk management, double materiality, reporting and strategic communications.
Insights and case studies
Meet our specialists in technology, media and communications
Ed Packshaw
Head of Risk, Reporting and Communications
Ed joins the Simply Sustainable team with over 12 years experience in ESG and corporate sustainability, combining both in-house sustainability leadership roles with client leadership and project management expertise, across a range of sectors, including real estate, construction, education and pharmaceuticals.
As our Head of Risk, Reporting and Communications, Ed is responsible for leading clients through their disclosure journey, driving continuous improvement and transparency to deliver impactful and comparable reporting practices that align with a wide-range of stakeholder expectations and help clients present their achievements and goals towards becoming a truly sustainable and profitable business.
Ed has a wealth of experience in international standard and frameworks, including TCFD, SASB, ISSB, CDP, SDGs, GRI, UNGC and a detailed understanding of UK, EU and US regulations and compliance requirements.
Alongside his professional experience, Ed holds a diploma in Sustainable Finance from the University of Cambridge, professional qualifications in Environmental Management and Carbon Management from IEMA and an honours degree in Zoology & Biological Sciences from the University of Edinburgh.
Andrea Gamble
Senior Consultant – Risk, Reporting and Communications
Andrea is a driven sustainability and project management expert with over 15 years of environmental experience. She is a professional reporting specialist skilled in climate risk management, carbon footprinting and ESG reports aligned with international standards. Andrea’s experience in climate-related financial disclosures, including climate scenario analysis, risk assessment, and TCFD narrative creation, is backed up by her history of obtaining TCFD compliance for her clients.
Andrea obtained a Master of Science with distinction in Environmental Management at Kingston University London. Prior to this, Andrea obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Victoria, Canada. She is an IEMA-certified Practitioner and successfully completed the IEMA Certified Carbon Management Training. Andrea is completing the FSA Credential, an advanced two-part certification to demonstrate expertise in matters related to the best-practice sustainability-related financial accounting standards, the ISSB Standards.
Will Bourns
Senior Consultant – Climate and Carbon Services
Will specialises in the quantification of corporate greenhouse gas emissions across direct operations and supply chains in a range of sectors. This enables Will and the team to create net-zero targets and align strategies for companies to halt the worst impacts of climate change by transitioning their companies to 1.5 degrees. Will’s love for the natural world has led him to work with organisations to understand Forest Land and Agricultural emissions (FLAG), associated targets as well risks and opportunities associated with climate and nature.
Will studied Zoology and Natural Sciences at the University of Liverpool and since graduating Will expanded his knowledge through memberships at PIEMA and EI. Before joining Simply Sustainable Will worked at a series of not-for-profit organisations from WWF to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as well as We are Albert where he created an emissions calculator tool used by the film and TV industry to support the supply chain in quantifying its impact. Outside of work, Will volunteers at Care4Calais, a charity supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the UK and Europe.