A small chip has a footprint too.

The starting point

Miniaturisation can improve devices, but digital sustainability is not just about chip size. Manufacturing, operating energy, supporting equipment and service life must all be included.

What we know

Chapter 6 of the pre-publication layout of the III Libro Blanco covers 2D materials, thermal management, organic electronics and spintronics. These are research areas with different goals and levels of development, rather than a shared promise of zero impact.

Questions to ask

A useful comparison examines the service provided over the device’s lifetime. Repairability, updates, reuse and material recovery can change the balance. Making an operation more efficient does not guarantee lower total consumption if demand grows substantially.