ICT EnergyLife+ - Energy Efficiency and Emission Reductions in the Lifecycle of ICT Devices through Ecodesign

The ICT EnergyLife+ project accelerates the ICT sector’s transition towards a climate-neutral and resource-efficient future in the Uusimaa region, while also supporting the smart specialisation strategy of the Ostrobothnia region. The project addresses the rapidly growing energy consumption and lifecycle emissions of the ICT sector by developing concrete, measurable and scalable solutions for the design, use and procurement of ICT devices. The climate impact of the ICT sector is increasing, particularly as the number of end-user devices, data centres and digital services grows. At the same time, EU regulation is steering the market towards more energy-efficient and longer-lasting products.

The project provides companies with practical tools, prototypes and guidelines for developing modular, repairable and energy-efficient products. Device manufacturers and design agencies will gain new operating models and visual guidelines that support the integration of ecodesign into product development processes. Software companies will benefit from new methods for measuring utilisation rates and optimising energy consumption. The project’s pilots and demonstrators will provide practical platforms where companies can test and apply solutions together with experts from higher education institutions.

The project covers the entire ICT device value chain, from product design and software to operational optimisation and procurement processes. It is implemented through five mutually supportive work packages combining industrial design, ecodesign, energy measurement, environmentally sustainable software development and the development of sustainable public procurement.

Goals

The main objective of the project is to significantly reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of ICT devices during use and throughout their entire lifecycle, while strengthening the capabilities of designers, manufacturers, software developers and procurement organisations to apply energy efficiency and ecodesign principles. The project supports the implementation of the EU Ecodesign Regulation (2024/1781) and proactively prepares the ICT sector for forthcoming product-specific requirements, including obligations related to modularity, repairability and digital product passports.

Project manager

Project lead