Lucend signs manifesto for an integrated approach to sustainable digitization

‘National Coalition for Sustainable Digitization’ calls on the government to adopt an integrated approach to sustainable digitization

• National strategy should position the Netherlands as an international leader in sustainable digital transformation
•  New coalition calls for long-term vision and short-term action to make digitalization more sustainable
• An integrated approach is needed to address fragmented government policy at the intersection of two major transitions: digitalization and sustainability.

Amsterdam, 18 October 2022 – Today, the National Coalition for Sustainable Digitization (NCDD) presented Minister Adriaansens (Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) with a manifesto urging the creation of an integrated national strategy for sustainable digitization. By developing and applying digital technologies and data solutions, while accounting for the integration of digital infrastructure and the need to reduce climate impact, environmental harm, and resource consumption—the Netherlands must become an international leader in sustainable digital transformation.

The coalition, comprising more than 70 organizations, aims to work with government, industry, knowledge institutions, and citizens to unlock existing opportunities, resolve bottlenecks, and develop a comprehensive roadmap. The goal: accelerate the transition to sustainable digital infrastructure and minimize the ecological footprint of the country’s digital systems.

The new coalition emerges from the Amsterdam Economic Board initiative LEAP. Together with ECP | Platform for the Information Society and the Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Alliance (SDIA), the initiative advances a public-private partnership to strengthen the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in sustainable digital innovation.

Bottlenecks and recommendations for sustainable digitization

The coalition identifies six key bottlenecks and proposes solutions that should form the basis of a Roadmap for Sustainable Digitization. Current challenges include fragmented and inconsistent government policy, a lack of holistic data for informed decision-making, inadequate legislation, fragmented knowledge development and innovation, and the absence of a fair European playing field.

To address these challenges, the coalition recommends:

• Clear ownership in the form of a single coordinating ministry
  
  
• A more data-driven approach to enable optimal decision-making at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability
  
  
• Updates to existing (transition) legislation to ensure sustainable choices become the default
  
  
• A national knowledge initiative focused on creating the tools, expertise, and talent required
  
  
• Lowering barriers to innovation, with a focus on integrating the energy system and digital system—particularly software, hardware, and data processing
  
  
• Strengthening the Netherlands’ visibility and influence in the European dialogue on sustainable digitalization

“Time is running out. Digitalization is essential to sustainability—and digitalization itself must become sustainable. Our coalition understands both the opportunities and the bottlenecks better than anyone. But we cannot do this without the support of this government. It’s time for collective action,” — Eske van Egerschot-Montoya Martinez, Lead Coordinator, National Coalition for Sustainable Digitization

Sustainable digitization is essential to maintaining the Netherlands’ leading position

Digitalization plays a crucial role in strengthening economic resilience—now and in the future. It is also a key driver for accelerating both economic and ecological sustainability. While the Netherlands currently ranks fourth in the EU digital leadership index, further sustainability-focused digital innovation is needed to maintain and expand that position.

“The digital sector has been extremely active and successful on sustainability in recent years. We’ve achieved significant efficiency gains in energy and resource use. To continue this progress, we need to step up our efforts and collaborate across the entire value chain. This new coalition will help us do that.” — Lotte de Bruijn, Director, NLdigital

About the NCDD

The National Coalition for Sustainable Digitization (NCDD) originated from the Amsterdam Economic Board’s LEAP initiative. Together with ECP | Platform for the Information Society and the Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Alliance (SDIA), the coalition brings together more than 70 public and private organizations—government, business, research institutions, and citizens—to build the foundations for the Netherlands to become an international leader in sustainable digital innovation.

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