ITU-T L.1480: Enabling the net-zero transition: Assessing how the use of ICT solutions impacts GHG emissions of other sectors - Summary

Source

• Original file: ITU-T L.1480 (Greening by Digital).md
• Ingested: 2026-06-15

Core Content

Published in December 2022, ITU-T L.1480 provides a rigorous, standardized methodology for assessing how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions impact greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across other industrial sectors. The standard addresses the Net Enablement Effect by balancing positive second-order effects—such as energy efficiency gains or travel substitution—against the negative First order effect (the footprint of the technology itself).

Furthermore, the document offers guidance for identifying complex Higher order effects, including the Rebound effect and induced consumption. By employing a hybrid approach that integrates Consequential life cycle assessment and Life cycle assessment principles, the recommendation enables organizations to maintain transparency in their climate reporting. It establishes a tiered assessment framework—ranging from simple Tier 3 assessment screenings to comprehensive Tier 1 assessment—to support corporations and public bodies in their transition toward Net Zero.

Key Entities

• International Telecommunication Union
• international-telecommunication-union
• ITU-T Study Group 5
• French Agency for Ecological Transition
• GSMA
• World Resources Institute
• Mission Innovation

Key Concepts

• Recommendation ITU-T L.1480
• Net Enablement Effect
• Net second order effect
• Consequence tree
• Reference scenario
• Avoided emissions
• Contextual factors

Main Points

• The standard establishes a standardized, transparent methodology for quantifying the net climate impact of ICT solutions on non-ICT sectors.
• It mandates a distinction between first-order (footprint), second-order (direct impact), and higher-order (behavioral/systemic) environmental effects.
• Practitioners must avoid “cherry-picking” results and are required to account for both positive and negative consequences.
• The use of a Consequence tree is a critical requirement for rigorous (Tier 1 and Tier 2) assessments.
• The methodology includes three assessment tiers, where the most simplistic tier (Tier 3) is explicitly prohibited for public or consumer-facing communication.