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Introduction SMEs rely on ICT for nearly everything: communications, sales, accounting, HR, logistics, and collaboration. Yet the sustainability impacts of ICT are often “invisible” because they sit in supply chains (manufacturing), in outsourced infrastructure (cloud and data centres), and in end-of-life systems (e-waste collection and recycling). When SMEs do not define ICT sustainability in practical terms, they tend to focus on the visible benefits of digitalisation while overlooking energy, materials, and waste impacts that can grow quietly over time. The EU’s broader direction is clear: sustainability and digitalisation must reinforce each other, not compete. This has implications for SMEs because expectations are moving from voluntary “green intentions” to more measurable practices and transparent reporting across the digital value chain. For example, EU-level work on data-centre efficiency and the Energy Efficiency Directive’s emphasis on monitoring and reporting signals a future where ICT impacts are tracked more consistently. To respond effectively, SMEs need a shared vocabulary and a short set of concepts that guide day-to-day decisions. The goal is not to turn SMEs into LCA experts or data-centre engineers. The goal is to make ICT sustainability understandable, actionable, and measurable at SME scale. ICT sustainability: a practical definition A useful SME definition is: ICT sustainability is the practice of reducing the environmental footprint of digital technologies across their entire lifecycle, while maintaining security, reliability, and productivity. It includes both (a) how ICT is run (energy and operational use) and (b) how ICT is chosen (procurement, durability, reparability, and end-of-life). It also includes how ICT demand is shaped (data retention, software design choices, and user behaviours). This broader framing is increasingly reflected in EU discussions about “sustainable ICT” and the need to consider multiple sustainability dimensions beyond energy alone. For SMEs, this definition matters because it prevents a common mistake: treating ICT sustainability as “buying greener devices once” or “moving to the cloud and assuming it is better.” Instead, sustainability becomes a continuous management practice: reduce waste, avoid unnecessary demand, and extend value from existing assets. Green IT: what it is and what it is not Green IT (often “Green ICT” or “Green computing”) is the set of methods that reduce the environmental impacts of IT systems and services. In practice, this usually starts with operational efficiency: power management, right-sizing equipment, reducing idle consumption, and improving how systems are configured and used. But Green IT also includes procurement choices (efficient devices, responsible suppliers) and lifecycle choices (repair and reuse rather than replace). EU-oriented guidance and studies on Green IT repeatedly emphasise that ICT can contribute to efficiency, but also has its own footprint that must be managed intentionally. Green IT is not a marketing label for “eco-friendly software” or “paperless equals sustainable.” A paperless process can still create hidden burdens if it causes uncontrolled data growth, frequent device replacement, or inefficient always-on workflows. A robust Green IT approach is therefore evidence-led: it asks where energy and material impacts occur, and it chooses the highest-leverage changes first. Energy efficiency: beyond switching devices off Energy efficiency in ICT has three layers that SMEs should separate clearly: The EU’s revised Energy Efficiency Directive includes obligations to monitor and report data-centre energy performance and water footprint for significant facilities, signalling that ICT energy performance is becoming a more governed topic. Even if SMEs are not data-centre operators, they will increasingly encounter suppliers and contracts that reference these metrics, and they will benefit from understanding the basics when choosing services. Lifecycle thinking: where the big impacts hide Lifecycle thinking recognises that ICT impacts occur not only during use, but also during manufacturing, transport, and end-of-life. For many electronics, a substantial portion of climate and resource impacts can be “embodied” in the device before it reaches the SME. This makes device replacement cycles a major lever: replacing “early” may increase total footprint even if the new device is more efficient. The European Environment Agency highlights that extending the lifetime of electronics and delaying obsolescence can significantly reduce environmental and climate impacts. Lifecycle thinking is the bridge between ICT sustainability and the circular economy. The EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation establishes a framework for setting ecodesign requirements to improve product sustainability, reinforcing the direction of travel toward durability, repairability, and better lifecycle performance. Complementing this, the EU has adopted a Directive on promoting the repair of goods, reinforcing repair and reuse as part of sustainable consumption patterns. For SMEs, lifecycle thinking becomes practical when converted into procurement rules: minimum expected device lifetimes, repair-first pathways, and end-of-life handling requirements (secure data wiping, certified reuse or recycling, asset tracking). These actions reduce both environmental footprint and business risk (data exposure, downtime, unpredictable replacement costs). LCA basics: why SMEs should know the concept A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a structured method for assessing environmental impacts across a product’s lifecycle. ISO standards provide the recognised framework and requirements for LCA work, including goal and scope, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. SMEs do not need to run full LCAs for every purchase, but understanding the concept helps them ask better supplier questions: This is particularly relevant as sustainability information becomes more standardised and embedded into purchasing decisions across sectors. Lifecycle literacy helps SMEs avoid “greenwashing by defaults” and focus on durable, verifiable improvements. Key terms SMEs should adopt internally To make ICT sustainability operational, SMEs benefit from a shared set of terms used consistently in policies and training: These terms work because they align language across IT, procurement, finance, and management. That alignment is often the missing ingredient in SMEs, where responsibilities are distributed and time is limited. An SME-ready implementation playbook ICT sustainability becomes manageable when SMEs adopt “minimum viable governance”: This approach aligns with EU-level expectations that ICT sustainability needs both technological choices and organisational routines, and it matches the general direction of guidance on improving efficiency and sustainability within digital infrastructure and product systems. Conclusion ICT sustainability for SMEs is best understood as a practical management discipline built on three core ideas: Green IT (how ICT is run

The kick-off meeting of the European project D-Green took place on 2–3 December 2025 in Pesaro, Italy, bringing together all project partners for the official start of the collaboration. The meeting was hosted by Assindustria Consulting and marked a key milestone in launching the project activities and establishing a shared operational framework. The first day opened with a welcome and introduction by Assindustria Consulting, followed by presentations of all project partners. These sessions allowed participants to exchange perspectives, clarify roles, and strengthen mutual understanding. The morning concluded with an overview of the project structure, objectives, and partner responsibilities, coordinated by Learnable. In the afternoon, discussions focused on the technical work packages. In particular, partners reviewed the progress and next steps of WP2 – D-Green Handbook, with contributions from Learnable, Blekinge Institute of Technology, and Let’s Do It World. This was followed by a dedicated session on WP3 – D-Green Backpack, led by Learnable, outlining planned activities and expected outputs. The second day concentrated on cross-cutting project aspects. Partners addressed Dissemination and Communication, as well as management, supporting documentation, and quality assurance procedures, under the coordination of Assindustria Consulting and Neotalentway. The meeting concluded with a recap of upcoming activities and milestones, ensuring alignment on priorities and timelines. Overall, the kick-off meeting provided a solid foundation for effective cooperation, confirming the partners’ shared commitment to achieving the D-Green project’s objectives and delivering high-quality results throughout its implementation.

Introduction The twin transition has become a core EU narrative because Europe wants competitiveness that is also climate-aligned and resilient. Yet SMEs often experience these transitions as two separate agendas: digitalisation is pushed by customers, efficiency needs, and market pressure, while environmental action is framed as compliance or “nice to have.” This separation can lead to an unbalanced pathway where SMEs modernise their ICT and processes but do not systematically reduce energy demand, material use, or emissions. The challenge is not that digital tools cannot support sustainability; they frequently can. The risk is that digital adoption expands faster than governance: more devices, more software subscriptions, more data retention, and more cloud services, without targets, measurement, or staff routines that prevent rebound effects. EU strategic analysis also highlights that the twin transition requires substantial annual investment and coordinated action, underlining the importance of making SME-level implementation practical and affordable. What “twin transition” means for SMEs In policy terms, the twin transition is the intentional integration of green and digital priorities so that digitalisation supports sustainability outcomes, rather than undermining them. For SMEs, a useful operational translation is: “every digital decision should have a sustainability check.” That check can be simple, such as lifecycle thinking for devices, energy-aware procurement, data retention rules, and basic indicators reviewed quarterly. The European Commission’s Digital Decade framing includes “leveraging digital transformation for smart greening,” reinforcing that the purpose is not only more technology, but better outcomes and governance. This matters because SMEs typically have limited time and specialised staff, so the twin transition must be implemented through lightweight routines that fit day-to-day operations. Why SMEs go digital faster than green SMEs tend to digitalise rapidly because benefits are immediate and visible: faster workflows, better customer communication, improved sales channels, and more flexibility. Green improvements in ICT, by contrast, often require measuring impacts that are less visible (cloud usage, embodied carbon, e-waste pathways), and the payback is not always captured in a single budget line. Evidence on SME readiness also shows structural differences. The EU SME twin transition monitor finds that Nordic and Benelux countries lead overall readiness while Southern and Eastern European countries face greater challenges, indicating that context (infrastructure, skills systems, investment capacity) strongly shapes SME performance. Where readiness is lower, SMEs may prioritise digital survival and postpone environmental upgrades, especially when they perceive sustainability as cost rather than strategy. The “digital rebound” problem Digital tools can reduce emissions (e.g., optimising logistics, reducing waste, supporting remote collaboration), but they can also increase total consumption if they drive more demand. This is the rebound effect: efficiency gains are partly or fully cancelled by growth in activity. A common SME example is cloud adoption: moving services off-site may be efficient, but if storage and data processing grow unchecked, energy demand and costs can rise. This dynamic aligns with EU policy warnings that digital and green must be steered together, and with the need for “smart greening” rather than technology expansion alone. SMEs reduce rebound risk by setting boundaries: retention periods, “default off” settings, device lifecycle standards, and procurement rules that avoid overbuying tools and hardware. Investment and capability constraints The twin transition is not just a behavioural issue; it is also an investment and skills issue. EU foresight work has highlighted large additional annual investment needs for the twin transitions through 2030, showing why targeted support and de-risking mechanisms are critical, especially for smaller firms. At firm level, SMEs may lack access to finance for upgrades such as efficient equipment, improved buildings, or higher-quality ICT infrastructure. Survey evidence from the European Investment Bank (EIB) shows that many EU firms invest in both climate-related measures and digital transformation, but investment decisions are affected by uncertainty and constraints. For SMEs, this means that the best-designed sustainability guidance still needs to be modular, low-cost, and tied to productivity, otherwise it will not scale. A practical alignment model for SMEs A workable twin-transition model for SMEs can be organised into five management questions: This approach matches the logic of monitoring tools used at EU level: composite readiness frameworks exist because transitions are multi-factor, and SMEs need simplified versions that still capture what matters. Skills as the missing connector Skills often determine whether SMEs can align digital and green decisions. The OECD highlights the twin digital and green transition for SMEs while noting trade-offs and the need to consider capabilities. In practice, SME staff often receive vendor-led training focused on features, not on sustainable use, lifecycle thinking, or measurement. Vocational education and training (VET) providers, trainers, and SME support organisations can fill this gap by teaching “decision literacy”: how to select tools, configure defaults, manage data responsibly, and design workflows that avoid waste. The result is not only lower footprint but also clearer governance and better cost control, which makes sustainability more attractive to management. Conclusion SMEs can “go digital without going greener” when digital adoption is treated as urgent competitiveness work while sustainability is treated as optional or external. EU policy and monitoring efforts emphasise that the twin transition is about integration, and readiness varies across Europe, meaning SMEs need practical tools and capacity building rather than one-size-fits-all expectations. This is where D-GREEN becomes operationally relevant: by supporting VET trainers and SME stakeholders with training content, methods, and practical instruments, the project helps SMEs connect everyday ICT decisions to measurable sustainability routines. D-GREEN’s contribution is to make alignment achievable at SME pace: modular learning, clear checklists, and self-assessment logic that can guide prioritisation when time and investment capacity are limited. In that sense, D-GREEN supports the twin transition not as a slogan, but as an implementable workplace practice that protects competitiveness while reducing digital waste and unmanaged growth. References DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE

Introduction ICT is often perceived as “clean” because much of its impact is out of sight: cloud computing happens in distant facilities, device manufacturing occurs outside the SME’s country, and e-waste leaves the office through a contractor. Yet these impacts are real and measurable, and they accumulate because SMEs collectively represent a major share of Europe’s business landscape. The European Union has framed the “twin transition” as a shared pathway: Europe must become both more digital and more sustainable, and the two must be aligned in practice rather than pursued in parallel. For SMEs, this alignment is not primarily an abstract climate discussion. It is a management issue that touches costs (energy and cloud bills), operational resilience (supply chains and device availability), risk (data governance and compliance), and reputation (customers and partners increasingly asking for proof of responsible practices). Understanding the hidden environmental cost of ICT helps SMEs prioritise actions that deliver immediate value while supporting longer-term policy goals and market expectations. Where the “hidden” impacts sit The environmental footprint of ICT in SMEs typically comes from four interacting layers. First is direct energy use: laptops, monitors, printers, routers, and on-site servers draw power every day, often with default settings that prioritise convenience over efficiency. Second is indirect energy use via digital services: cloud storage, video meetings, email, collaboration platforms, and AI tools rely on data centres and networks that SMEs do not see but continuously use. Third is embodied impact: devices require raw materials, manufacturing processes, and global logistics; much of the climate and resource cost happens before the device ever reaches the office. Fourth is end-of-life: devices become waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), which is complex, valuable, and potentially hazardous if mismanaged. A key point for SMEs is that these layers stack together. A “simple” decision—upgrading all laptops every two years, storing all files indefinitely, adding AI tools without retention rules, or running always-on meetings—can shift impacts across energy, materials, and waste simultaneously. The hidden cost is therefore not one number; it is a chain of decisions that can be improved once it is made visible. Data centres, cloud services, and AI demand Cloud services can reduce the need for on-site servers, but they do not eliminate energy use; they relocate it. At the global level, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects  that electricity demand from data centres is set to more than double to around 945 TWh by 2030, with AI as a major driver alongside other digital services. At the EU level, the European Commission has highlighted the difficulty of precise consumption measurement while noting that IEA estimates place EU data-centre energy use around 70 TWh in 2024, rising toward 115 TWh by 2030. For SMEs, the practical takeaway is not to “avoid the cloud,” but to avoid unmanaged growth. Storage defaults can quietly expand month after month; AI features can introduce new compute loads; and duplicated platforms can multiply data replication. SMEs can reduce hidden energy demand through governance that is easy to implement: storage lifecycle rules, deletion policies, reduced duplication, and procurement criteria that favour efficient services and transparent reporting. The overlooked footprint of networks and connectivity Digital activity also relies on telecom networks, including fixed and mobile infrastructure. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) notes that energy consumption is closely related to climate impact and that telecom operators are taking actions to reduce emissions across their networks and operations. SMEs may not control network infrastructure, but they can influence demand patterns: unnecessary high-resolution video, excessive always-on connectivity, and poorly configured remote-work habits can increase traffic and energy use. Practical policies— using audio when video adds little value, limiting background streaming, scheduling large uploads, and encouraging “digital hygiene”—help SMEs reduce hidden network-related impacts without reducing effectiveness. Embodied carbon and materials in devices A large share of ICT impact comes before use: mining, refining, manufacturing, and transport. Research synthesised in a peer-reviewed critique by Freitag and colleagues notes that studies estimate ICT’s current share of global greenhouse gas emissions at 1.8%–2.8%, and suggests that when supply-chain truncation is corrected, the share could be 2.1%–3.9%. For SMEs, this means that hardware replacement cycles matter. Buying “more efficient” devices too frequently can increase total footprint if embodied impacts outweigh energy savings. The European Environment Agency (EEA) emphasises that extending the lifetime and delaying obsolescence of electronics can significantly reduce environmental and climate impacts, supporting EU circular economy objectives. A realistic SME approach is to set a minimum lifespan target for key device categories (e.g., laptops, monitors, phones), adopt repair and upgrade pathways, and purchase with durability and reparability criteria. This reduces hidden material impacts and improves resilience when supply chains tighten or budgets shrink. E-waste: the end-of-life problem SMEs can influence E-waste is one of the clearest “hidden costs” because it is often treated as a disposal issue rather than a resource and risk issue. The EU’s WEEE Directive sets requirements for waste electrical and electronic equipment management, reinforcing the need for proper collection and treatment. Globally, the scale is rising fast. The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 reports that in 2022 the world generated a record 62 billion kg of e-waste and only 22.3% was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. Europe generated the most e-waste per capita (17.6 kg per person) and had the highest documented collection and recycling rate (7.5 kg per person, 42.8%). For SMEs, the operational actions are straightforward and high impact: maintain asset registers, ensure data wiping and secure handover, use certified collection routes, prioritise reuse/refurbishment, and create internal return systems for small devices. The European Commission has also issued a recommendation aimed at improving the rate of return of used and waste mobile phones, tablets, and laptops—devices that are common in SMEs and rich in critical raw materials. Why SMEs struggle: skills, metrics, and time Many SMEs struggle not because they are unwilling, but because ICT sustainability is rarely assigned a clear owner, and the topic sits between departments: IT, procurement, operations, and finance. The

The Erasmus+ project D-GREEN – Digital Sustainability for SMEs has officially begun, launching a two-year European cooperation initiative dedicated to promoting more sustainable digital practices among small and medium-sized enterprises. Funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ KA220 – VET Cooperation Partnerships programme, D-GREEN will run from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027. The project brings together organisations with complementary expertise in vocational education and training, ICT, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and SME support, all working towards a shared goal: reducing the environmental and social impact of digital technologies used by SMEs. The project is coordinated by Assindustria Consulting Srl (Italy) and implemented by a consortium of six organisations from five European countries. Alongside the coordinator, the partnership includes Learnable (Italy), the European Center of Entrepreneurship Competence & Excellence (Austria), Neotalentway S.L. (Spain), Let’s Do It World NGO (Estonia), and the Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden). This transnational collaboration ensures a strong balance between research, training, sustainability expertise, and real-world engagement with SMEs. In recent years, SMEs have increasingly relied on digital technologies such as cloud computing, enterprise IT systems, and digital manufacturing tools to support their business operations. While digitalisation offers clear advantages in terms of efficiency and competitiveness, it also generates significant environmental and social impacts that are often underestimated or poorly managed. D-GREEN responds directly to this challenge by supporting a more responsible and sustainable use of ICTs within small and medium-sized enterprises. The main objective of the project is to help SMEs reduce the negative environmental and social footprint of their digital technologies, while at the same time improving their effectiveness and long-term resilience. To achieve this, D-GREEN focuses on strengthening the skills and competencies of vocational education and training professionals, including ICT experts, sustainability specialists, consultants, and trainers, enabling them to design and deliver high-quality training on ICT sustainability tailored to the needs of SMEs. In parallel, the project aims to empower SME managers and workers with practical knowledge and tools to implement digital technologies in a more sustainable and conscious way. A further key ambition of D-GREEN is to raise awareness of ICT sustainability practices and highlight their concrete benefits for businesses. The project addresses both VET professionals who work closely with SMEs and SME managers and employees who are directly involved in ICT-based services, infrastructure, and digital processes. By connecting these two groups, D-GREEN seeks to create a shared understanding of sustainable digital practices and to facilitate their effective adoption across different organisational contexts. From an operational perspective, the project is structured around four main work areas, covering management and implementation, the development of educational content, practical tools, and communication activities. One of the central outputs will be the D-GREEN Handbook, a practical guide designed for VET trainers and professionals who develop and deliver training courses on ICT sustainability for SMEs. The handbook will be created through a participatory process involving national workshops in all partner countries and will also be made available in digital format. Complementing this output, the D-GREEN Backpack will provide practical resources and tools to support the application of sustainable ICT practices in real business settings. Communication and dissemination activities will ensure that project results reach a wide audience at European level through a dedicated visual identity, online presence, and outreach materials. Following the kick-off meeting, the partnership has already started working on the first project activities, including management structures, quality assurance processes, and coordination tools. At the same time, preparations are underway for the initial stakeholder workshops that will play a key role in shaping the content and structure of the D-GREEN Handbook, ensuring it is firmly grounded in the real needs and challenges faced by SMEs and VET professionals. Through its integrated approach, D-GREEN aims to make sustainability a concrete and achievable component of digital transformation for SMEs, contributing to Europe’s green and digital transition by turning responsible ICT use into a strategic asset for innovation, competitiveness, and long-term growth.