Afnic launches a sustainable development initiative

That being said, because they are less visible to the general public than web applications, those services are also included in the analysis of the overall ecological footprint of the Internet, its carbon footprint in particular. We know the positive effects of the Internet in the fight against global warming (better remote management of energy costs, the ability to reduce business travelling by using teleconferencing and telecommuting, etc.), but what the internet “costs” in terms of greenhouse gas emissions is less well known.

For that reason, in a spirit of transparency and accountability, and as a benchmark Internet registry, Afnic has decided to assess its carbon footprint. The assessment, carried out with the support of the Versailles-Yvelines Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the independent EcoAct firm of consultants, consisted first of all in defining the scope to take into account in determining our carbon emissions. Afnic chose to adopt the widest scope, including in the calculation of its carbon footprint all of its activities, from home-to-work commuting of its employees to the publication of communication brochures, sending emails internally and externally and the operation of our datacenter facilities.

That extensive effort, carried out through to the end of 2013, resulted in the publication by Afnic of its first carbon audit for 2012. It will serve as a benchmark to ensure that Afnic is on the right path to reduce its emissions in the years to come, not only in relative terms but also in absolute terms, while maintaining the growth of our business.

The initiative has been recognized by the Versailles-Yvelines Chamber of Commerce and Industry in awarding Afnic the Environment Managers Network diploma. Afnic intends to implement an ambitious action plan for an accountable, sustainable French Internet namespace. 

• Download the Afnic’s carbon audit overview.