A joint Spark and ThinkStep study has detailed the scale of New Zealand’s digital emissions and the tools available to cut them.
The research identifies data centres, fleet transport, and agriculture as priority areas. Solutions include using carbon-aware computing, deploying AI, and applying precision farming techniques. The report stresses that coordinated action will be essential to achieving measurable reductions.
The Challenge of Digital Emissions
The lifecycle of digital devices is leaving a sizeable carbon footprint—from laptops and smartphones to cloud servers and emerging technologies. Improper disposal compounds the problem.
Carbon-Aware Computing on the Rise
One promising approach is carbon-aware computing—shifting computing workloads to cleaner energy regions. This method reduces reliance on “expensive, cumbersome machines that run 24/7 when there’s no real need for them.”
The sector is collaborating with the Green Software Foundation and drawing on experience from partners in Australia, the UK, and the US. This international momentum allows Kiwi firms to trial proven techniques rather than starting from scratch.
Regulatory Balance and Environmental Gains
While regulatory bodies concentrate on safeguarding biometrics and other sensitive data, AI is being refocused to address emissions. Spark and ThinkStep’s research concluded that optimising fleet vehicles offers a pathway to lower transport emissions.
Lessons from Australia, where emissions caps have accelerated uptake of electric Utes, are influencing strategies in New Zealand. Researchers said the wider objective is for companies to adopt “the greenest technology possible and minimise their carbon footprint.”
Farming in the Spotlight
Agriculture, a major contributor to emissions, could see the biggest gains. ThinkStep estimates that nearly 2 million Megatons of emissions could be reduced by 2030 through rural connectivity, AI, and smart charging infrastructure.
Precision agriculture is reducing fertiliser and pesticide use, while drones provide real-time crop monitoring and pest detection.
Farming’s central role in the economy means success here could “spread this mentality across other sectors and industries in New Zealand.”
Balancing Risk and Opportunity
Technology’s central role has been evident for 25 years, with experts calling it “a seminal industry in our lives.” While unregulated AI presents risks, they note that “reducing digital emissions is an area where it could do an incredible amount of good.”
Local innovation, supported by global partnerships, is positioning New Zealand’s tech sector to combine efficiency and sustainability.