Is it possible that high-speed internet can offer environmental benefits too? Information from Speed Matters.org, says it can. According to them, broadband reduces our carbon footprint while promising substantial economic pay-offs. So by including universally accessible, high speed Internet as an essential part of our energy plan, the United States can build a green economy, greatly reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and spur economic growth by creating new environmental jobs. Sounds good right?Â
But sadly, although the U.S. consumes more energy than any other country, we trail behind many industrialized nations in broadband penetration. As one of the world’s biggest polluters, the environmental benefits of high-speed Internet are yet to be tapped, since about 20 million Americans (6-8 million households) currently lack access to broadband and millions more are priced out of the market.
Here are some ways internet speed can make a difference:
• By reducing carbon intensive activities and replacing them with carbon-neutral alternatives—like telemedicine, long-distance and business communication programs, and e-commerce.
The Climate Group has found that broadband-enabled travel substitution could save $20–40 billion annually in gross fuel savings in the U.S. by 2020.
• Smart meters, smart buildings, and smart grids built with high speed Internet capabilities can increase control over home and building energy consumption, reducing energy use and cost.
The Climate Group also has found that a national smart grid could reduce carbon dioxide emissions in America by 230- 480 million metric tons per year by 2020.
• A study by the American Consumer Institute found that the U.S. could achieve a net reduction of 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas over 10 years! That’s a savings of the equivalent of 11 percent of annual U.S. oil imports if we invested in broadband-enabled energy efficiency.