Sustainability
Background
The manufacture and use of computers accounts for over 2% of the world's carbon emissions. The continuing growth in the use of technology will further increase carbon emissions unless technology itself is used to reduce its environmental impact.
There is tremendous scope to use technology for the common good, and the Shared Learning Group is comitted to identifying and promoting good practice.
Vision
The purpose of the Sustainability workstream (Workstream 9) is to share best practice and jointly deliver solutions across the Shared Learning Group which will raise awareness and encourage ways to embed sustainability principles.
Whilst the focus will be on how ICT can reduce environmental impact, there will also be an emphasis on wider sustainability benefits. Examples include the improved quality of life and reduction in health inequalities through the work of the assistive technology workstream, and the potential for reduced travel through the Office Communicator project.
Objectives
To identify the environmental, economic and social impact of ICT and how systems can reduce negative impact and enhance positive impacts.
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To promote sustainability in the development and application of technology across the wider public sector;
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To provide an advocacy role for sustainability across sectors, including manufacturers and Microsoft.
Business Challenge
Sustainability will be promoted through an approach to whole life costing. Short-termism and seeking the lowest cost undermines sustainability. The Shared Learning Group will promote whole life costing to demonstrate that sustainability principles can be achieved wilst still operating value for money.