Digitization of data and environmental impact: what do the French think?

The French in favor of digitalization

In a complex economic and environmental context, the French feel more and more concerned about their energy consumption. While the digitization of services and documents remains a priority for companies and public institutions, it seems to be perceived positively by all. And for good reason, two-thirds of French people (67%) now think that the digitization of energy consumption documents is a positive step forward and responds to contemporary issues. This feeling is particularly marked among generations Y and Z (72% for those under 35).

But this responds primarily to the needs and personal preferences of French people: 73% of respondents prefer to manage their data relating to their energy consumption (electricity, gas, etc.) online or via an application. This trend is also marked whatever the generation (79% for young people, 72% for seniors).

Digitization at the service of the environment

The French today believe that digitalization has several advantages when it comes to preserving the planet. Firstly, a majority of them (64%) consider that digitizing content is more environmentally friendly than using paper documents. Moreover, digitization is more generally considered to be compatible with the preservation of the environment in nearly 50% of cases.

In addition, digitalization would allow the French to be more eco-responsible themselves: being able to access consumption data in real time or consult their bills would help two-thirds of respondents (65%) to make better decisions in favor of the environment. 'environment. Indeed, thanks in particular to the analysis of their consumption (peaks and troughs for example), it is thus possible for them to make adjustments and modify their habits to “better” consume – and reduce their bills.

Beyond being self-critical, the French also have an opinion when it comes to evaluating the efforts made by companies. Naturally, 61% of French people think that companies acting in favor of the environment have an appropriate content digitization system. Generation Y respondents (68%) are also the most likely to think that the most committed companies must necessarily have content management systems that are themselves greener.

For Sébastien Libouban, Strategic Account Manager at Hyland: “Since the health crisis, the French have a great need for digital tools to better manage their daily lives. With exploding costs and ever-changing climate conditions, data can be particularly useful for consumers to adapt and make more eco-responsible decisions. On the other hand, the digitization of data and content is a way for companies not only to support consumers in their daily lives, but also to empower them. By adopting appropriate and effective content management tools, companies can also have a direct impact on their own environmental footprint. »

Methodology : Conducted in July 2023, this OpinionWay survey for Hyland was conducted among 1033 people representative of the French population aged 18 and over, who were interviewed by self-administered online questionnaire on the CAWI system. This sample was also drawn up using the quota method, with regard to the criteria of sex, age, socio-professional category, urban area category and region of residence.