Digital

We will...

Improve transparency of digital carbon footprints 

As digital technologies evolve and their use continues to grow, we need to make sure their environmental impacts are clearly measured and communicated. The University will monitor and report on the carbon impacts of all digital infrastructure, technology, and services, including cloud-based services, AI, and high-performance computing. We will target digital hardware and services for improved measurement of supply chain carbon impacts, and work with suppliers and other institutions to share best practice. Day-to-day, staff and students will start to see more information about the carbon footprint of digital tools they use, along with training to help make informed choices. This will rely on access to accurate data, specialist expertise, and integration with IT reporting systems.  

Over time, this will highlight carbon hotspots, help to reduce waste and energy use, and provide a strong evidence base for smarter investment—helping us cut emissions and improve transparency. 

Improve lifecycle management of digital goods and services  

Better lifecycle management of digital goods and services means buying, using and retiring IT in ways that cut more waste and save more carbon. The University will improve systems for internal re-use and sharing of IT equipment for work, study, and research, and review equipment requirements and desktop setups—such as dual monitors—to avoid unnecessary buying. Day-to-day, staff and students will see clearer guidance on how to re-use IT equipment and easier ways to access shared refurbished and redeployed devices. 

These changes depend on updates to procurement policies and better tracking of IT assets, but they will cut emissions, reduce waste, and save money by making better use of what we already have. Over time, this approach will extend the life of devices and make IT more efficient and sustainable. 

Integrate sustainability into digital policies, solution design and procurement  

Introducing sustainability into digital policies, solution design and procurement means making sure environmental impacts are considered when making big decisions about digital infrastructure, technology, and services. This means factoring in energy use, lifespan, and whole-life carbon when planning projects and buying IT. Day-to-day, staff will see clearer standards for equipment and guidance to help make responsible choices.  

To make this happen, we’ll update business case templates, strengthen procurement processes, and work closely with suppliers to monitor and improve their sustainability performance. Over time, this will reduce emissions, cut waste, save money, and encourage suppliers to offer more durable and efficient products. 

Reduce operational footprint of IT use 

Reducing the operational footprint of IT use means making sure the way we use technology is efficient and climate-conscious. We will include climate-conscious environmental digital principles in student inductions and offer training and support to help students, researchers, and technical staff reduce the impact of their IT use, including high-performance computing and AI. Day-to-day, this means learning how to: use reduce the environmental impact of digital tools esponsibly, optimise research computing, and schedule energy-intensive tasks at times when electricity is cheaper and cleaner. 

These changes require strong engagement and coordination through IT Services and sustainability governance to help cut energy waste, reduce emissions, and save money through national best-practice frameworks. Over time, this approach will improve transparency, support responsible and ethical innovation, and help the University meet its climate goals while building skills for sustainable digital practices across research, teaching and professional services.