Observatory of Sustainable Connected Territories: digital technology, a lever for savings for communities

The Observatory of Connected and Sustainable Territories 2025, published by InfraNum and the FNCCR, demonstrates that the widespread use of digital solutions could generate several billion euros in savings in essential areas: water management, energy, public lighting, waste collection and even risk prevention.

Clear figures: digital technology at the service of local finances

While digital technology represents an opportunity to optimize public services and improve citizens' quality of life, its deployment nevertheless raises essential strategic questions: what is its real cost? What benefits can we expect from it? And what is its concrete environmental impact?

The results of this study, conducted with Tactis and Releaf Carbon, show that in 10 years, the digital transformation of territories could enable:

• 811 million m³ of water saved, the equivalent of 320 Olympic swimming pools per department per year, thanks to smart remote meter reading.
• €1,1 billion reduction in energy costs for public buildings, with a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 355.000 tonnes.
• 299 million euros in savings on public lighting, by optimizing the control of lighting fixtures.
• 308 million euros saved on waste management, by optimizing routes and reducing unnecessary journeys.
• 151 million euros saved thanks to video detection in fire prevention, avoiding destruction.

For Charles Antoine Gautier, General Director of FNCCR: "Beyond the results of the macro analysis, the reality is more detailed from territory to territory. The study provides decision-makers with the keys to identifying and adapting the main cost and gain items to be expected from these projects. This analytical framework helps support territories in their digital and sustainable transition."

A major financial and ecological challenge for communities

With budgets under pressure and the ecological transition a priority, these solutions provide concrete answers. They enable communities to do more with less, optimize their resources, and anticipate future challenges.

For Ilham Djehaich, president of InfraNum: "We're not talking about promises here, but about measurable results. Local authorities now have effective tools to control their costs and accelerate their transition. The widespread adoption of digital technology in local public services is a significant savings lever."

A call to action: accelerating the digital transition

For Ilham Djehaich: "Faced with these challenges, InfraNum and the FNCCR are calling for a massive acceleration in the use of digital technology in the regions. The solutions exist, the benefits are proven: it is time to generalize these practices to allow local authorities to free up budgetary room for maneuver, while improving the quality of public service and their environmental impact."