Partnering up to reach net zero ambitions
A CEDA-led project has published recommendations, identified constraints, and recognised opportunities affecting sustainability across digital research infrastructure.
Challenge
To implement its strategy for creating world-class research and innovation, UKRI supports a wide variety of digital research infrastructure (DRI) which is crucial for researchers to carry out their work. This research often has a part to play in enabling the transition to Net Zero. However, DRI can come at a considerable cost to the environment, and the use of computers of all types in research and innovation means that the very research itself can have considerable environmental impact.
Approach
The team at the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis (CEDA) led a 19-month scoping project to identify the principal constraints and opportunities affecting implementation of the UKRI Sustainability Strategy across the DRI. It also advised on the most effective ways forward. The Net Zero DRI scoping project undertook a wide range of technical studies and engagement activities in order to inform future recommendations. These were undertaken with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, through workshops and small commissioned projects. The scope of the project covered all the UKRI-owned and majority-funded DRI.
Benefits
CEDA has published their final technical report, which is freely available and summarises the key evidence-based recommendations for reaching UKRI’s Net Nero targets.
This report summarises all the evidence-gathering activities undertaken by the project and provides final recommendations, and a clear roadmap for how UKRI can take action to reduce the carbon emissions from data generation, analysis, storage and dissemination from DRI. It also studies how the entire UKRI DRI estate can deliver carbon neutral computing by 2040 or earlier.
