Opening remarks by Roch-Olivier Maistre at the launch conference for the general eco-design standard for digital services

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Madam Minister [Marina Ferrari],

Madame President of Arcep [Laure de La Raudière],

Mr. President of ADEME [Sylvain Waserman],

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I'm delighted to be here this morning for the launch of a long-standing joint project: the general reference framework for the eco-design of digital services - the RGESN for short - a document produced at the end of a rigorous process to define criteria for the sustainable design of digital services in order to reduce their environmental footprint.

As we all know, the carbon footprint of digital services could triple by 2050 if nothing is done to limit its effects, and if usage continues to increase at the current rate, particularly with the rapid development of generative AI. Terminals currently account for 80% of this impact. If we are to change this outlook, we need to take up the challenge of reducing their use.

It is for this reason that the legislator has entrusted Arcom and Arcep, in collaboration with ADEME, with a number of missions and studies. This reference framework is one of them, since the eco-design of digital equipment and services is one of the main levers identified for reducing the environmental footprint of digital technology. It will be presented to you in detail in a few moments by our teams, whom I would like to thank warmly for their commitment [in particular for Arcom, Marianne Serfaty, Head of Department].

This important project completes and strengthens Arcom's commitment to ecological transition.

As the French regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication, Arcom has been responsible since 2010 for ensuring " that the development of the audiovisual industry is accompanied by a high level of environmental protection ".

Arcom's competence in this area has been strengthened by the so-called "Climate and Resilience Law", which entrusts us with a mission to support more responsible practices in commercial communications, through the conclusion of climate agreements. The first of these were presented in July 2022, and we will shortly be publishing further details of our assessment of the scheme.

The law aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of digital communications has also tasked us with publishing, again in collaboration with Arcep and ADEME, a notice aimed at television services, on-demand audiovisual media services and video-sharing platforms , to encourage them to inform consumers of the environmental impact of using these services due to the data consumption it generates. It also aims to give users access to simple solutions for limiting the environmental impact of their use. The notice was published on September 13, and we are also finalizing a joint study to assess the environmental impact of different broadcasting methods for audiovisuel services.

Environmental issues are now the focus of a dedicated working group within the Arcom college, chaired by Bénédicte Lesage, who is here today, and whom I would like to thank for her determination to tackle these key challenges. Our strategic plan also makes it a priority to help audiovisuel and digital players make the ecological transition.

Because of the privileged place they occupy in our daily lives and in our social cohesion, these players play a fundamental role in the ecological transition.

A number of media outlets have launched initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to the environment, by creating new dedicated formats, training editorial teams and setting up specialized entities.

These initiatives are part of a drive to inform, raise awareness and support viewers and listeners in addressing these challenges. For its part, Arcom has included a clause on environmental protection and the fight against climate change in its new agreements with television and radio broadcasters. This clause will, of course, be included in the agreements of the services selected as part of our summons to tender for 15 national DTT frequencies.

Arcom is resolutely committed to this collective response to the environmental emergency. By encouraging changes in consumption and production patterns, strengthening global information and mobilizing operators, we can help build a more sustainable audiovisual and digital environment that respects our planet.

Thank you for your attention. Without further ado, I'd like to hand over to the Chairman of ADEME.