Sustainability Principles for ICT Systems Design

This technical report presents a framework for expressing sustainability in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems. It addresses the challenges of applying high-level sustainability principles, such as the Brundtland definition and the three-pillar model, to complex technical domains like telecommunications and future 6G systems. The authors propose three guiding principles: efficient resource utilization, accountability to stakeholders, and design for adaptability and serviceability. These principles aim to translate abstract sustainability concepts into actionable criteria that can be directly applied in ICT infrastructures and communication networks. The report emphasizes the need for a framework that connects normative sustainability goals with practical engineering decisions, enabling informed decision-making in the design and operation of digital infrastructures. By integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations, the proposed framework seeks to assist researchers, technology providers, and policymakers in evaluating sustainability trade-offs effectively.