Sustainable Horizons: Extending Temporal Attention to Unintended Consequences of Digital Sustainability

Description

This study investigates the ethical management of unintended consequences of digital sustainability initiatives within a Dutch social housing association employing predictive digital twin technology to achieve energy-neutral performance. Through a longitudinal approach encompassing ethnographic observations, interviews, and forward-looking co-creation, we identify practices used to manage the risks of these consequences occurring. Our findings underscore the importance of extending temporal attention beyond the project lifecycle and fostering ‘collective foresight’ into potential 'undesirable' futures. We highlight the critical need for shifting communication ownership across organizational and community levels to ensure ongoing dialogue regarding the long-term impacts of digital sustainability. This research not only addresses immediate project goals but also emphasizes proactive management of future ethical challenges, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of digital sustainability in social housing. By integrating ethical considerations into the strategic planning and implementation of digital technologies, our study provides valuable insights for fostering sustainable and ethically sound digital sustainability.

Period	31 May 2024
Event title	GRONEN 2024
Event type	Conference
Location	Paris, FranceShow on map