A .fr domain name generates 147g of CO2 per year

As a central actor in the French digital ecosystem, Afnic is well aware of the impact of its activities and of the significant role it has to play for society as a whole and in terms of how practices evolve. As such, the association now focuses not only on technical excellence but also on measuring its impact.

Starting with the impact of the .fr Top Level Domain. More than 4 million domain names – growth that boosts the transformation of the French economy. A tool that remains simple, secure and accessible… all of which in no way means that we cannot keep a close eye on its environmental impact.

Afnic’s management of a .fr domain name is equivalent to the carbon footprint of approximately… 5 disposable paper cups¹, generating 147g of CO₂ per year.

• The carbon impact of managing a .fr domain name has fallen by -11% compared to the previous year
• and by -50% over the past five years.
• Across its ‘Scope 3’² activities as a whole, Afnic’s carbon footprint is down -9% on 2023 and -38% over five years.

These data are taken from measurements carried out by Afnic.

The results speak to our commitment since 2019 and to our strategic choices to combine technical, economic, social and environmental performance in the service of the general interest.

To find out more and consult our 2023 carbon footprint assessment along with all of our environmental and social results

Consult the Afnic 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report :

Download our “Corporate Social Responsability (CSR) Report 2023” (PDF – 1,5 Mo)

Our CSR approach: a complex undertaking that is already working successfully

Afnic has put in place a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) management system based on ISO 26000, and has its progress evaluated with a view to attaining the overall carbon neutrality of its activities as of 2023.

In June 2023, the pertinence and effectiveness of the CSR management system put in place were confirmed by AFNOR’s “CSR Commitment” evaluation. Afnic was awarded the “Confirmed” level of the “CSR Committed” label and the “Responsibility Europe” label.

^{1 – A disposable paper cup has a carbon footprint of 29g CO2eq taking into account its production and its disposal, according to a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.}

^{2 – According to the ADEME Bilan carboneÒ carbon footprint assessment, Scope 3 includes indirect GHG emissions outside the direct control of the company, often encompassing activities both upstream and downstream of the value chain.}