Digital Responsibility Shift and Community Obligations in 2025: Uncovering the Implications of the REEN Act
In a significant move towards digital sustainability, France has imposed specific requirements on local authorities to reduce the environmental impact of digital technology. These expectations, outlined in Article 35 of the REEN law, aim to decrease the carbon footprint of digital technology, promote responsible digital consumption, and encourage sustainable digital practices.
The strategy requires local authorities to implement measures such as encouraging energy-efficient digital infrastructure, integrating ecological considerations into digital procurement and services, and educating stakeholders and the public on sustainable digital practices. Furthermore, local authorities are expected to report and monitor the environmental footprint related to digital services and infrastructure within their jurisdiction.
One of the key aspects of the strategy is the eco-design of digital services. This approach ensures that digital services are environmentally friendly, with examples including not using excessive packaging, designing products for easy repair and recycling, and using renewable energy sources in data centers.
To further promote sustainable digital practices, local authorities are encouraged to prioritise the purchase of reconditioned electronic devices from local structures, including clauses for repair or maintenance beyond the manufacturer's warranty, and ensuring security updates for at least 5 years. They are also advised to organise conferences in schools, libraries, community centers, and workshops on responsible digital use and cybersecurity to raise awareness.
Moreover, the strategy should focus on local and sustainable public procurement, reuse, repair, and fighting obsolescence. Promoting the creation of recycling centers on the territory is another way to address the environmental impact of digital waste. Participating in national and international events like the Digital Cleanup Day is also a means to raise awareness about digital issues.
Incorporating the General Reference Framework for the Eco-design of Digital Services (RGESN) as a clause in public contracts is crucial when outsourcing digital service development. The objectives and measures outlined in the strategy should be precise, time-bound, and measurable to ensure effective implementation and compliance.
By adopting these measures, France is taking a significant step towards reducing emissions and promoting responsible digital governance, aligning with its broader legislative approach to digital sustainability and environmental protection. For more precise obligations and the exact legal text, consulting the official French government publications or legal databases that publish the REEN law's full content would be necessary.
- The strategy encourages local authorities to adopt the eco-design of digital services, promoting environmentally friendly digital services that use renewable energy sources, avoid excessive packaging, and are designed for easy repair and recycling.
- To further support sustainable digital practices, the strategy suggests local authorities prioritize the purchase of reconditioned electronic devices, establish recycling centers, and organize workshops on responsible digital use and cybersecurity to raise awareness.
- In addition to these measures, the strategy emphasizes the importance of local and sustainable public procurement, reuse, repair, and fighting obsolescence, aligning with France's broader legislative approach to digital sustainability and environmental protection.
