ICT and environmental sustainability – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, D and E accurately portray the environmental implications and responsibilities associated with ICT, while C and F are misleading. Digitalisation does not automatically guarantee environmental benefit if the underlying energy sources are highly polluting. Green computing encourages efficiency, and procurement policies can factor in energy ratings and recyclability. Since environmental considerations are relevant to institutional ICT planning, F must be rejected, leaving A, B, D and E as the correct set.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits E, which notes that procurement decisions can incorporate sustainability criteria. Although A, B and D are true, excluding E weakens the description of organisational-level strategies for greener ICT.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes statement C, which makes an absolute claim that reducing paper is always environmentally beneficial regardless of electricity generation. It also omits statement E about sustainable procurement, so it does not represent the full correct set.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it keeps only those statements that recognise energy consumption, e-waste standards, green computing practices and sustainable purchasing. By excluding C’s absolutism and F’s disregard for environmental issues, it offers a balanced view of ICT and sustainability.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it combines B, D and E with F and thereby accepts the claim that environmental concerns are irrelevant. This contradicts global policy directions linking ICT expansion with environmental responsibility.