The Data for All „A Quest for Digital Autonomy” podcast series we bring you closer to the topic of municipal data sovereignty. This podcast season revolves around sustainable data solutions for citizens and companies. Across European borders, we present facts, approaches and reflections showing how to understand data for the public good better.
Do Data - For a greener future in Vejle, Denmark
In this episode we learn how data consumption is directly tied to energy usage and CO2 emissions, highlighting that even sending an email or streaming a video has a carbon footprint. Our guest Gitte Alberen, Vejle Business, explains the benefits of initiatives like Digital Cleanup Day and offers practical tips to lower personal emissions. The episode also delves into Denmark’s push for greener data centres and the role of municipalities like Vejle in integrating smart city technologies and IoT solutions to encourage greener living.
Why it matters
As we spend more of our lives online, the environmental impact of data has become an nearly invisible yet urgent issue. Understanding the link between digital behaviour and emissions is crucial for both individual responsibility and policy innovation. With data centres consuming massive amounts of energy, the transition to greener infrastructure is essential. Cities like Vejle show how local action and public-private cooperation can drive sustainability. Lastly, without standardisation and cross-border collaboration, Europe risks missing out on the full potential of climate-smart data solutions.