Internet is usually believed to be an environment-friendly alternative to the traditional usage of paper for communication. Businesses across the world are now looking to switch to the cloud-based technology from the physical hardware. However, a study conducted by the Centre for Energy-Efficient Telecommunications (CEET) and Bell Labs portrays things differently - Internet and other components of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) industry are responsible for emitting more than 830 million tonnes of CO2 annually and are likely to double emissions by 2020.

According to researchers, the ICT industry, which includes the web, video and voice and other cloud-based services, are responsible for emitting about 2 percent of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to what the aviation industry releases. The report further predicts the ICT's share for CO2 emission to double by 2020. The report has been published in journal Environmental Science & Technology.

The researchers have also come up with some new models of emissions and energy consumption that are supposed to slash the carbon emissions. The study suggests setting up of models that consider the data traffic, energy use and CO2 production in network and other related things of the industry.

Describing the existing assessment models as inaccurate, the study further endorses development and testing of two new models that will help more accurately assess the energy consumption and CO2 emissions. According to the researchers, more efficient use of energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources are likely to help minimise ICT emissions of the greenhouse gas.