ITと環境問題のケーススタディ：マイクロチップのLCA,中古パソコン市場の環境への貢献、Eコマースとテレワークの省エネ評価

カテゴリ: 部門大会

論文No: TC8-5

グループ名: 【C】平成15年電気学会電子・情報・システム部門大会講演論文集

発行日: 2003/08/29

タイトル(英語): Understanding the environmental implications of the IT revolution: Case studies of microchips, computer reuse, e-commerce and telecommuting

著者名: Eric Williams(国連大学)

著者名(英語): Eric Williams(United Nations University)

キーワード: マイクロチップ|ライフ・サイクル・アセスメント|エネルギー|テレワーク|Eコマース中古パソコン|microchip|life cycle assessment|energy|telework|E-commerceused computers

要約(日本語): The information technology (IT) revolution affects both the character of Japan’s environmental challenges and how those challenges can be addressed. To illustrate some of the issues involved, the results of four case studies are reviewed. The impacts associated with producing, using and disposing of IT hardware should be assessed in order to plan an effective environmental management system at the societal level. A recent study estimates that production of one 2-gram DRAM chip requires at least 1.2 grams of fossil fuels, 72 grams of chemicals and 36 kg of water, suggesting that the environmental intensity of producing IT goods is higher than generally perceived. Another case study investigates the relative environmental effectiveness of reselling, upgrading and recycling “end-of-life” computers. The result is that extension of computer lifespan via reselling or upgrading is extremely effective at reducing environmental burdens compared to recycling materials. With regards to the adoption of IT by business and society, e-commerce and telecommuting have potential to reduce energy use in transport and building sectors. A study comparing energy use in online and conventional retailing of books in Japan shows that e-commerce may not be as environmentally promising as one might have thought: the extra packaging used cancels much of the benefit of switching from personal automobiles to courier services, at least for smaller goods requiring such packaging. An analysis of potential savings from telecommuting in Japan suggests that a 4-day telework week for specialty/tech, sales, and clerical work forces could save 2.1% of national energy use, demonstrating significant potential as a macro-level energy savings technology. The overall conclusion of the four case studies is that adapting to the changing relationship between IT and environment requires shifts in government policies and firm strategies.

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