Digitalisation promises significant efficiency gains in all areas, with rebound-effects deserve special attention, as they have the potential to reduce or even reverse these positive environmental effects and lead to higher consumption. A systematic analysis of the factors that promote rebound effects in digitalisation is still lacking. This lack of knowledge about the mechanisms of action and the rapid pace of digital innovations hinders a forward-looking environmental policy that recognises and curbs rebound effects at an early stage.

The research project "Rebound effects of digital services and products" aims to create the basis for a better understanding of the causes of rebound effects in digital services. Based on this knowledge, measures and instruments are to be identified in order to mitigate or eliminate the rebound effects. A literature and data analysis will be used to collect case studies and identify factors that allow conclusions to be drawn about the environmental relevance of the rebound effects of digitalisation. The dimension and type of rebound effects will also be analysed and possible interdependencies and correlations between different factors will be identified. Based on these analyses, possible courses of action are to be identified in order to prevent or reduce the rebound effects of digitalisation and the associated environmental impact.