Edge cloud platform provider Fastly has joined DIMPACT, a global coalition working to develop science-based standards for measuring and reducing the environmental impact of digital media delivery.
The move makes Fastly the first edge cloud platform provider to participate in the initiative, bringing network infrastructure data and expertise to help media companies, streaming platforms and publishers better understand the carbon footprint of delivering digital content.
The announcement comes as digital media consumption—and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI)—continue to drive demand for computing power and data transmission, placing greater attention on the environmental impact of digital infrastructure.
According to DIMPACT, accurately measuring emissions generated by digital services requires visibility across the entire data delivery chain, from origin servers to end-user devices.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Fastly to the DIMPACT initiative,” said Jason Bell, Director at SLR Consulting and Executive Sponsor of DIMPACT.
“Their participation strengthens DIMPACT’s ability to advance a more accurate, data-driven approach to measuring and reducing digital emissions.”
Bell added that Fastly’s expertise in edge computing helps address a critical gap in understanding how data moves across networks, bringing the industry closer to standardized methods for measuring and reducing digital emissions.
Addressing the hidden carbon footprint of digital services
While sustainability efforts have traditionally focused on manufacturing, transportation and energy, the environmental impact of digital services has become an increasing concern as businesses consume more cloud computing resources and AI workloads.
Every video streamed, website loaded and AI-generated response relies on data centers, networks and edge infrastructure that consume electricity and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions throughout the digital value chain.
These indirect emissions — commonly classified as Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions — have become a growing focus for organizations seeking to reduce their overall environmental footprint.
DIMPACT brings together technology companies, media organizations and policymakers to develop standardized methodologies, research and tools that help organizations measure and lower emissions associated with digital content delivery.
AI growth brings sustainability into focus
Eoghan Kelly, Senior Sustainability Specialist at Fastly
Fastly said its participation reflects a broader commitment to making internet infrastructure not only faster and more secure but also more sustainable as AI-generated traffic continues to expand.
“As digital content, including AI-generated traffic, continues to reshape the internet, we want to empower the digital media sector with the granular data and actionable insights needed for companies to understand and optimise their digital footprints,” said Eoghan Kelly, who leads Sustainability at Fastly.
“We are committed to industry-wide collaboration to ensure the internet of the future is not just faster and more secure, but also more sustainable.”
Fastly said it will work alongside other DIMPACT participants to improve emissions measurement and support efforts to decarbonize digital content distribution.
The collaboration comes as organizations increasingly look beyond operational emissions and examine the environmental impact of their digital infrastructure, particularly as AI adoption accelerates across industries.
Fastly provides edge cloud services that help organizations deliver websites, applications and digital content with lower latency, enhanced security and improved performance. Its customers include Reddit, Universal Music Group and SeatGeek.
