However, an assessment of the actual environmental compatibility and environmental performance of technology use is often lacking, and potential negative environmental effects are rarely discussed. Within the framework of the "Digitalization in Agriculture" cluster, the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, together with project partners UBA and AGES, developed a concept and criteria for assessing the environmental impacts of applying digital technologies.
The environmental assessment concept comprises a multi-stage model with relevant environmental criteria and indicators. Stage 1 defines the assessment objective and framework. Stage 2 identifies the primary agronomic impact and its secondary effects. Based on the agronomic impacts described in Stage 2, Stage 3 analyzes these impacts with regard to their potential environmental implications. In the interpretation phase (Stage 4), the environmental impacts are categorized along four dimensions from ecological sustainability research.
The developed concept was tested in four different applications of digital technologies (use cases) as part of the project. For the soil sector, starting points for environmental monitoring were also derived, and suitable indicators were compiled. By creating an environmental assessment concept, it will be possible in the future to evaluate the use of digital technologies from an environmental perspective in a practically relevant way. The concept offers an initial approach to a structured methodology for the environmental assessment of digital technologies.
Due to the rapid changes and framework conditions of digital technologies in agriculture, continuous development and adaptation are necessary.
Explanatory video on the environmental assessment concept
Brief summary of the environmental assessment concept
Full version of the environmental assessment concept (report by the Federal Environment Agency)
