Some Remarks on Energy and Resource Consumption of New Information Technologies

Maurer, H.A., Rauch, W., & Sebestyen, I. (1982). Some Remarks on Energy and Resource Consumption of New Information Technologies. IIASA Research Report (Reprint). IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: RR-83-026. Reprinted from Information Services and Use, 2 [1982].

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Abstract

Current research into the application of information technologies is largely focused on technological and socio-psychological issues. This report offers some remarks on the consumption of energy and other resources by these technologies. It is concluded that while in principle, new methods of telecommunication and information technology require fewer materials and less energy than traditional ones, carelessly designed systems and applications could cause tremendous increases in such use. The design of a new technological system together with human attitudes toward changing modes of communication will be primarily responsible for its consumption of energy and materials.

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