An introduction to digital sustainability
A short digital learning module designed to introduce the basic concepts and practical applications of digital sustainability.
About the module
Digital advancements are reshaping every facet of education. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the promise of digital innovation must be aligned with a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The module, free to eligible Jisc member organisations, covers the environmental impact of digital technologies, including topics like artificial intelligence (AI), before looking at positive solutions and best practises. Finally, you will find guidance to support effective leadership in digital sustainability, from creating and fostering a vision while still leveraging the benefits of digital technologies. Leaders play a crucial role in driving sustainable practices, inspiring stakeholders, and ensuring that sustainability goals are met.
This module is designed for individuals and organisations aiming to understand and implement sustainable practices in the digital world. Whether you're a leader, IT professional, educator, or student, you'll gain valuable insights into reducing the environmental impact of digital activities and technologies.
Find out more about our digital learning modules and what they have to offer your organisation.
Request to download the module.
What staff will learn
By completing this module, individuals will:
- Understand the concept of digital sustainability and its importance
- Learn about the environmental impacts of digital technologies and AI
- Evaluate the effectiveness of approaches designed to improve digital sustainability
- Explore best practices for sustainable digital operations
- Develop leadership skills to drive digital sustainability initiatives
Who should access the module
This digital learning module is designed as an introduction for all staff who are interested in learning more about how their digital activities impact on the environment and what they can do to create positive change.
Module outline
- The environmental impact digital technologies
- Explore how lifecycle analysis, device manufacture, energy consumption, and e-waste contribute to environmental the environmental impact of technology.
- The environmental impact of AI
- Learn about environmental challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence.
- Evaluate digital sustainability approaches
- Use real-world scenarios to establish ways in which digital sustainability practices can be put into action.
- Data management
- Reduce your environmental impact by reviewing your data management and storage practices.
- Digital sustainability best practices
- Adopt best practices focussing on procurement, circular economy principals and optimising the energy efficiency of devices.
- Digital sustainability leadership
- Model positive sustainable practices by inspiring others, setting goals, and instigating cultural change within your organisation and beyond.
Benefits of deploying the module
- Increase and enhance awareness of digital sustainability and its importance, across the organisation.
- Ensure staff know about the environmental impact of digital activities and services.
- Reflecting and actioning positive steps to improve individual and organisational sustainability practices.
Contact us
For more information, email training@jisc.ac.uk or phone 01235 822242.