A conceptual tool to self-assess digital decarbonization readiness

<p dir="ltr">Purpose: Technological advancements have been central to decarbonization efforts; however, this has led to an increasing, hidden digital data carbon footprint. The article examines how organizations can self-assess their digital decarbonization readiness with the aim to reduce their digital carbon footprint.</p><p dir="ltr">Approach: Using an integrative review approach, a canvas of the extant literature pertinent to digital decarbonization and the related fields of Green IT, digital, ICT and technology literatures, draws together insights that could be used by organizations to self-assess their digital decarbonization readiness.</p><p dir="ltr">Findings: The conceptual tool comprises 10 dimensions against which organizations self- assess to generate (i) an overview of the organization's performance in each dimension, highlighting areas of strength (high scores) and areas that may need improvement (low scores) and (ii) an aggregate score representing the organization’s overall digital decarbonization readiness.</p><p dir="ltr">Originality: The article outlines a series of organizational skills and capabilities to successfully manage their digital ecosystem and contribute to digital decarbonization initiatives through the mitigation of digital carbon footprints.</p><p dir="ltr">Research implications: In the context of global net zero targets, digital decarbonization represents an opportunity to mitigate the negative environmental impact of the new data-scape. To aid organizations in reducing their digital carbon footprint, the conceptual tool allows organizations to self-assess their digital decarbonization readiness.</p><p dir="ltr">Practical implications: We introduce a conceptual planning tool for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Strategy Officers (CSOs) and Sustainability Leads to assess their digital decarbonization profile.</p>