Computational Archival Processes and Environmental Sustainability

This article is a research report that discusses the environmental impacts associated with information and communication technologies (ICT) used for data storage and processing. It emphasizes the significant emissions generated during the lifecycle of electronic devices and addresses the challenges of assessing these environmental impacts using methodologies such as the GHG Protocol and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The report outlines opportunities for mitigating these impacts through improved data governance, techniques for reducing digital waste, and sustainability initiatives like the Arch’Eco project, which aims to assess environmental impacts for the entire lifecycle of data. The authors reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing computational archival processes in the context of climate change and sustainability, presenting key concepts and methodologies in the field. The study also highlights the need for precise measurement methodologies to evaluate the environmental footprint of digital technology and the implications of human behavior on data management practices.