According to the findings of a survey carried out by TNO, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research Building and Construction Research ('Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek', in Dutch), paper invoices use nearly two times more energy and 50 % more CO2 emissions than digital invoices.

The Dutch project on e-Invoicing of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ) started in 2008. The aim of this project is to introduce electronic invoicing in the government.

Several international studies have been set up to take a closer look at the energy consumed by e-invoicing. The fact that in other countries a significant beneficial effect has been found for e-billing does not mean that this would automatically count for the Netherlands. The Ministry of Economic Affairs had thus asked TNO to make the present assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of paper invoices and e-invoices on energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

TNO's calculation was made in a transition situation from a chain with 100 % of paper invoices to a chain with 100 % of digital invoices.  

 

Further information: 

• Original news article and survey findings presentation - EEI Platform
• TNO