Digital Collage
Uncover the hidden footprint of technology
How It Works
Participants arrange 61 cards to build a picture of our collective digital carbon footprint. Working in teams of 4-8, they discover the environmental impact of devices, networks, and data centers. In a creative phase, teams illustrate and decorate their collage, highlighting key connections. Each team then presents its findings, followed by a facilitator debrief. Finally, participants explore Action cards and commit to the most relevant changes.
What You'll Learn
- The full lifecycle environmental impact of digital devices and infrastructure
- How data centers, networks, and devices contribute to global emissions
- The growing environmental cost of AI and cloud computing
- The link between digital consumption habits and resource depletion
- Practical actions for reducing your digital environmental footprint
The Digital Collage (La Fresque du Numérique) reveals the often-invisible environmental impact of our digital lives. Created by Aurélien Déragne and Yvain Mouneu, this workshop makes the connection between our screens and the planet tangible and actionable.
Why Digital Collage?
The environmental impact of digital technology is less obvious than many other industries, but it is significant. The ICT sector’s greenhouse gas emissions currently exceed those of civil aviation, and with the rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and connected devices, this footprint is growing fast.
The Experience
Using 61 rigorously sourced cards (based on data from ADEME, Green IT, EcoInfo CNRS, and the Shift Project), participants uncover the environmental impact at every stage of the digital lifecycle — from mining rare earth minerals for devices to powering data centers. The workshop demystifies complex topics and empowers participants with practical actions.
For Organizations
As organizations pursue digital transformation, understanding the environmental trade-offs is crucial. The Digital Collage helps IT and sustainability teams align digital strategy with environmental goals, identify quick wins for reducing digital emissions, and build a culture of responsible technology use.