ABSTRACT
While virtual conferences emit far less greenhouse gas emissions relative to their physical counterparts, they still have a considerable impact on the environment arising from participant computer life cycle emissions, network data transfer energy use, server energy use, and other activities that would not have happened without the conference. This article proposes a modifiable framework for systematically measuring the emissions attributable to such conferences using data about participant computers, Internet energy intensity, network data transfer, server power ratings, and other relevant factors. Strategies to reduce emissions attributable to virtual conferences are also proposed based on the framework.
Graphical Abstract
![](/cms/asset/14e9ecf7-95bb-4808-9053-0a0781e0121f/genv_a_1864190_uf0001_oc.jpg)
Acknowledgments
The initial research did not receive any specific grant. The University of Michigan Global CO2 Initiative funded the preparation of this article. The author would like to thank Professor Volker Sick for recommending preparation of and providing feedback on the initial draft.
Disclosure statement
No potential competing interest is reported.
Supplemental data
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.