Key information
Request reference number: MGLA020124-2917
Date of response:
Summary of request
Your request
What is carbon footprint of data communications in London city in CO2 per year in MT?
Our response
Thank you for your inquiry about the carbon footprint of data communications in London.
This is difficult to estimate as there are no specific datasets collating emissions data on this and the GLA does not hold the right information to be able to respond to your request in full.
In the London Energy and Greenhouse Gas Inventory (LEGGI) we collect emissions from energy use in buildings in London. Emissions from data communications will sit inside the ‘electricity’ emissions recorded in this dataset for domestic, industrial & commercial users. However, this dataset does not include a breakdown of emissions from data communications or digital activities specifically. You can access the latest LEGGI here: London Energy and Greenhouse Gas Inventory (LEGGI) - London Datastore
Some of your area of interest is also partly covered in our consumption emissions report, which looks at the emissions behind household activities. This report finds that household communications were responsible for 0.04 tCO2e/person in 2020 and household electrical appliances 0.01 tCO2e/person. Communications relates to postal services, telephone and telefax equipment / service.
However, this dataset only highlights emissions as they relate to household activities. It does not identify the emissions associated with London’s business and industry data communications. Therefore, this does not present a full picture in terms of what the carbon footprint of all data communications in London is in CO2 per year in Mt.