Refusing the Burden of Computation: Edge Computing and Sustainable ICT

Journal article


De Valk, M. (2021). Refusing the Burden of Computation: Edge Computing and Sustainable ICT . APRJA. 10 (1), pp. 14-29. https://doi.org/10.7146/aprja.v10i1.128184
AuthorsDe Valk, M.
Abstract

This paper asks what we can learn from edge computing about the commitment of Big Tech to diminish its ecological footprint. The text starts with the COVID-19 pandemic being framed as opportunity for more sustainability and unpacks edge computing as one of the elements proposed as a solution, next to working from home. It interrogates the discourse behind these solutions, one of technological fixes that allow ‘business as usual’ to continue, undisturbed by government regulations, outsourcing the burden of environmental responsibility to citizens. The paper draws parallels between edge computing, Big Tech’s approach to sustainability and the history of the Sustainable ICT discourse and proposes that to truly diminish ICT’s footprint, a refusal of the burden of computation and digital enclosure (vendor lock-in) is needed, by collectively building and financing network services.

Keywords networks, decentralisation, commons, sustainability, ICT, edge computing
Year2021
JournalAPRJA
Journal citation10 (1), pp. 14-29
PublisherAarhus University
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.7146/aprja.v10i1.128184
Web address (URL)https://aprja.net//article/view/128184
Publication dates
Print20 Aug 2021
Publication process dates
Accepted20 Jul 2021
Deposited06 Sep 2021
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
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https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/8xwq2

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128184-Article Text-271149-1-10-20210813.pdf
License: CC BY 4.0
File access level: Open

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