The Role of ICT Based Communication from a Pollution Prevention Perspective

Abstract

The role of virtual mobility, i.e. various possibilities of substituting travel by the use of ICT-based communication, in reducing environmental impact from travel in Swedish organisations is being discussed. The paper focuses on virtual meetings, such as audioconferencing, videoconferencing and web-meetings, and their actual as well as potential substitution of business trips. Particularly audio-and videoconferencing was empirically found to substitute travel in organisations, but the use of virtual meetings is still limited. This fact is discussed by highlighting the benefits and costs of business travel and a number of limiting factors for the virtual communication technologies. The paper also brings up some suggestions on how to enhance the use of virtual meetings.