CloudCom

🌱 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.

Tomorrow is - an annual reminder that the cloud is not weightless. Every file, email, and backup we keep “just in case” is stored somewhere, powered and cooled 24/7.

📊 Here’s the part that tends to surprise people:
Roughly 85% of organisational data is “dark data”. Stored, never used, but still consuming energy and space. Globally, that unused data is estimated to generate around 5.8 million tonnes of CO₂ every year. That’s roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of 1.2 million cars.

Since 2020, Digital Cleanup Day participants have deleted millions of gigabytes of unnecessary data, helping prevent thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Small actions, very real impact.

At CloudCom, we believe sustainable digital infrastructure starts with mindful use. Digital Cleanup Day is a good moment to pause, reassess what we store, and make space for what actually matters.

👉 Looking for practical ideas to get started?
ISIT-be (Belgian Institute for Sustainable IT) has a great overview and inspiration here:
https://isit-be.org/the-digital-cleanup-day



Sources:
Digital Cleanup Day impact data: www.digitalcleanupday.org
Cloud storage CO₂ estimates: www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/data-that-is-stored-and-not-used-has-a-carbon-footprint-how-companies-can-manage-dark-data-better

Down to Earth World Cleanup Day

#𝗡𝗥𝗘𝗡. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘆𝗺.

In the world of education and research, a National Research and Education Network is not a buzzword. It is critical infrastructure.

Across Europe, NRENs connect universities, colleges, research institutes and public bodies to high performance, secure networks built specifically for knowledge sharing and collaboration. They are designed around public values such as trust, openness, security and long term stability, not advertising models or shareholder pressure.

In Belgium, that role is fulfilled by Belnet

Belnet provides secure connectivity, identity services and international links to the global research community. It connects Belgian institutions to pan European initiatives such as GÉANT Community, enabling seamless collaboration across borders.

Why does this matter when we talk about cloud?

Because infrastructure matters.

When educloud operates as a provider to Belnet members, our services are built on a network created specifically for education, research and government. That means:

• Data stays within trusted European infrastructure
• Connectivity is direct, high performance and purpose built
• Identity and access can integrate with academic federations
• Governance aligns with public sector and educational values

At a time when many institutions are questioning their reliance on US hyperscalers, sovereignty is not just about where data is stored. It is about who controls the infrastructure, who sets the rules, and whose legal framework applies.

Being a provider to Belnet members allows educloud to offer a truly sovereign cloud alternative. Not a repackaged hyperscaler service. Not a marketing label. But infrastructure rooted in Belgian and European public networks, designed for the communities we serve.

Ready to talk about your sovereign cloud future?
[email protected] / +32 (02) 616 09 95 / www.educloud.be

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