Digital sustainability
We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our digital infrastructure while delivering high-quality, accessible and innovative digital services.
Our Sustainable Digital IT (DIT) approach focuses on:
- Lowering carbon emissions from technology
- Using energy and resources more efficiently
- Extending the lifecycle of IT equipment
- Embedding sustainability into every digital decision.
Sustainable Infrastructure
We are improving the sustainability of our digital infrastructure by:
- Incorporating sustainability into our cloud, data storage and datacentre strategy
- Exploring opportunities to expand renewable energy-powered services: our main data centre in Clifford Whitworth building is already powered by roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels.
Sustainable DIT procurement
Sustainability is a key consideration in all digital procurement.
- Sustainability criteria is included in all IT tenders and contracts. (e.g. a recent Network Refresh procurement)
- Working with suppliers who meet recognised sustainability standards and who can demonstrate:
- Energy-efficient solutions
- Responsible sourcing
- Transparent environmental reporting
Data and website optimisation
Reducing unnecessary data use helps minimise digital carbon emissions.
Our actions include:
- Reviewing and rationalising data storage
- Reviewing and improving website performance
- Reducing data transfer and page weight
- Monitoring website carbon impact using website carbon measurement tools
- Continuously assess accessibility using industry tools such as Silktide accessibility insights, maintaining and improving our accessibility standards and acting on insights to improve user experience for all
Responsible use of AI
We support the responsible and sustainable use of AI.
Guidance for staff and students includes:
- Being transparent about when AI is used
- Understanding the environmental impact of AI systems
- Using AI responsibly and efficiently, e.g. use of good prompts
- Recognising risks such as:
- Data privacy
- Reliability of outputs
- Ethical and legal considerations
This responsible use guidance is embedded into relevant existing and emerging policies, guides and training programmes.
Reducing energy use
We encourage everyone to reduce digital energy consumption through simple actions:
- Turning off devices when not in use
- Reducing unnecessary data storage
- Minimising high-energy activities (e.g. excessive streaming, large file transfers)
- Using efficient digital tools and services
Reducing e-waste
We are committed to minimising electronic waste through responsible lifecycle management, by:
- Following our IT Asset Disposal Policy
- Promoting reuse and refurbishment of devices where possible
- Ensuring secure and environmentally responsible disposal of equipment
Printing
We are committed to reducing the impact of printing by:
- Reducing the number of devices across campus
- Implementing secure pull printing to avoid waste
- Ensuring all devices use power-saving modes
- 100% recycled paper in all devices
- Toner cartridges collected and returned for recycling
Sustainable DIT Delivery Plan
We are developing a comprehensive Sustainable DIT Delivery Plan covering:
- End-user devices
- Servers and cloud services
- Software and digital services
- Network equipment
- Lifecycle management and disposal
This will introduce:
- Clear sustainability targets
- Measurable performance indicators
- Ongoing monitoring and reporting
Measuring our impact:
We are working towards improved monitoring of:
- Digital carbon emissions
- Energy use across IT services
- Website and system efficiency
Regular updates will be shared as our approach develops.
What you can do
Everyone can play a role in digital sustainability.
You can help by:
- Using digital services responsibly
- Reducing unnecessary storage and downloads
- Choosing sustainable settings and tools where available
- Following guidance on AI and digital usage
- Print only what is necessary
- Avoid laminating
- Following guidance on web content accessibility and sustainability when creating content
- Use a search engine that is sustainability focused such as Ecosia