What is the environmental impact of video streaming?

Video streaming has revolutionised how we consume entertainment, from binge-watching our favourite shows on Netflix to live streaming events on YouTube. However, this convenience comes with an environmental cost. According to a report by The Shift Project, digital technologies, including video streaming, account for 4% of global carbon emissions—a figure expected to double by 2025. In this article, we’ll delve into the environmental impact of video streaming, exploring energy consumption, carbon footprint, and steps we can take to mitigate these effects.

1. Energy consumption of data centres

Data centres are the backbone of video streaming services. They store, process, and deliver content to millions of users worldwide. However, these facilities are energy-intensive, requiring vast amounts of electricity to power servers and keep them cool.

Why it matters: The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that data centres accounted for about 1% of global electricity demand in 2020. This figure is projected to increase as the demand for video streaming grows.

Impact on the environment:

• Electricity usage: Data centres consume significant amounts of electricity, often generated from fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions.
• Cooling requirements: Keeping servers cool requires additional energy, further increasing the environmental footprint of data centres.

Mitigation strategies:

• Energy-efficient technologies: Investing in energy-efficient servers and cooling systems can reduce electricity consumption.
• Renewable energy: Many tech companies are shifting towards renewable energy sources to power their data centres. For instance, Google aims to run its data centres on carbon-free energy by 2030.

By adopting these strategies, data centres can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

2. Carbon footprint of video streaming

The carbon footprint of video streaming encompasses the entire lifecycle of content delivery, from data centres to user devices. This includes the energy required to encode, store, and transmit video, as well as the electricity used by devices to play content.

Why it matters: According to a study by the Carbon Trust, one hour of streaming video on a mobile device generates about 55 grams of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). On larger devices like TVs, this figure can be higher due to increased energy consumption.

Impact on the environment:

• Transmission energy: The process of delivering video content over the internet involves multiple data transfers, each consuming energy and generating emissions.
• Device usage: The type of device and viewing settings (e.g., resolution) significantly affect the energy consumption and carbon footprint of video streaming.

Mitigation strategies:

• Optimised streaming protocols: Implementing more efficient data compression and transmission techniques can reduce energy use and emissions.
• User habits: Encouraging users to stream on energy-efficient devices and lower resolutions can also help reduce the carbon footprint.

Small changes in how we stream content can lead to significant environmental benefits.

3. Environmental costs of content delivery networks (CDNs)

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are crucial for delivering video content quickly and reliably. CDNs reduce latency by storing copies of content closer to users, but this also means operating multiple data centres worldwide, which adds to the environmental impact.

Why it matters: CDNs help manage internet traffic more efficiently, but they also contribute to the overall energy consumption and carbon emissions of the video streaming industry.

Impact on the environment:

• Distributed infrastructure: The global network of servers used by CDNs requires substantial energy to operate and maintain.
• Redundant data storage: Storing multiple copies of the same content in different locations increases the overall storage requirements and energy use.

Mitigation strategies:

• Energy-efficient CDNs: Using CDNs that prioritise energy efficiency and renewable energy sources can mitigate environmental impacts.
• Content optimisation: Reducing the amount of redundant data stored and improving content delivery algorithms can decrease energy consumption.

By optimising CDNs, the tech industry can minimise the environmental costs associated with video streaming.

4. User behaviour and environmental impact

User behaviour plays a significant role in the environmental impact of video streaming. From the devices we use to how we access content, our choices can either exacerbate or mitigate the environmental footprint of streaming.

Why it matters: The Shift Project found that streaming video represents over 60% of global data flows, highlighting the need for responsible consumption habits.

Impact on the environment:

• Device choice: Streaming on energy-intensive devices like large TVs consumes more electricity compared to smaller devices like smartphones or tablets.
• Viewing habits: High-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) streaming require more data, leading to higher energy consumption and emissions.

Mitigation strategies:

• Energy-efficient devices: Encouraging the use of energy-efficient devices for streaming can reduce electricity use.
• Quality settings: Streaming at lower resolutions when high-definition is unnecessary can significantly cut down data usage and energy consumption.

Educating users on the environmental impact of their streaming habits can foster more sustainable behaviour.

5. Industry initiatives for sustainability

The video streaming industry is beginning to recognise its environmental responsibilities, with several companies launching initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint.

Why it matters: Industry leaders can drive significant change by adopting and promoting sustainable practices, influencing both competitors and consumers.

Impact on the environment:

• Corporate responsibility: By committing to sustainability, companies can lower their environmental impact and set an example for others to follow.
• Innovative solutions: Investments in new technologies and processes can lead to more energy-efficient streaming services.

Notable initiatives:

• Netflix: Netflix has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2022 through reducing its own emissions and investing in environmental projects.
• YouTube: Google, which owns YouTube, is working towards using carbon-free energy for its data centres by 2030.

These initiatives highlight the potential for the industry to lead in sustainability efforts.

6. Future trends and innovations

Looking ahead, several trends and innovations promise to further reduce the environmental impact of video streaming.

Why it matters: Technological advancements and evolving industry practices can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of video streaming, making it more sustainable in the long term.

Impact on the environment:

• AI and machine learning: Using AI to optimise data compression and streaming protocols can reduce energy consumption.
• Decentralised networks: Emerging technologies like blockchain could lead to more efficient, decentralised content delivery systems, reducing the need for extensive data centre infrastructure.

Emerging solutions:

• Green computing: Advances in green computing aim to create more energy-efficient hardware and software, further reducing the environmental impact.
• User awareness: Increased awareness and demand for sustainable practices from consumers can drive industry-wide change.

By staying ahead of these trends, the video streaming industry can continue to innovate while minimising its environmental impact.

As video streaming continues to grow, addressing its environmental impact is crucial. By adopting sustainable practices, leveraging new technologies, and fostering user awareness, the industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.