Digital Sustainability

Digital Strategy: sustainable technology

Technology Lifecycle and Resource Management

Heriot-Watt University is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its digital equipment throughout its lifecycle. Through its Sustainable Technology Framework, the University promotes the reuse, refurbishment and responsible management of IT assets.

All usable IT equipment is redeployed or reused through approved partners wherever possible, extending product life and reducing the demand for new equipment. Hardware that reaches end-of-life is recycled through authorised recycling routes to minimise e-waste and recover valuable materials.

This approach supports the University's commitment to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Lower-Carbon Hosting and Infrastructure

The University is actively working to reduce the carbon impact of its digital infrastructure. All datacentres on the Edinburgh campus are powered by renewable electricity, and our cloud datacentres provided by Microsoft are all supplied with renewable energy. Through national procurement frameworks, sustainability requirements are incorporated into supplier selection and contract management processes, ensuring environmental performance is considered alongside service provision.

Sustainability considerations are integrated into supplier selection and contract management through national procurement frameworks, ensuring environmental performance is evaluated alongside service quality and value.

The University uses the APUC ITS4043 SU Servers, Storage and Solutions National Agreement (SSSNA) framework, which includes sustainability requirements and information on supplier environmental policies. Our content management system supplier participates in the Net Zero Carbon Supplier Tool programme.

Further information is available on the following websites:

Responsible Innovation and Artificial Intelligence

The University recognises both the opportunities and environmental challenges associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Staff and students are provided with guidance and training on the responsible use of AI, including consideration of the environmental impacts.

Resources highlight the energy, water and material demands of AI systems, alongside broader considerations such as the reliability of AI outputs, privacy implications, human oversight and responsible decision-making.

While AI can contribute positively through efficiency improvements, optimisation and sustainability research, the University promotes informed and proportionate use that balances innovation with environmental responsibility.

Embedding Sustainable Digital Behaviours

Sustainability is embedded within digital service management, technology procurement and day-to-day digital activities. Staff and students are encouraged to consider the environmental impacts of data storage, digital consumption and technology use, and to adopt more sustainable digital behaviours wherever possible.

The University supports this through training, awareness initiatives and practical guidance, while continuing to work with suppliers and partners to improve efficiency, reduce emissions associated with digital services and support institutional net-zero ambitions.

Smarter Digital Working

The University encourages digital-first approaches that reduce resource consumption and unnecessary printing. Sustainable printing guidance is supported through the University's Sustainable Print Policy, available through Our Policies. The policy promotes responsible printing behaviours, reduced paper consumption and consideration of environmental impacts when producing physical materials.

Where appropriate, digital alternatives to printed materials are prioritised, helping reduce paper use, waste generation and associated carbon emissions. The University also seeks opportunities to optimise systems and services to reduce unnecessary resource consumption.

Using Technology Sustainably

The University has also adopted Ecosia as the default search engine on student lab computers, supporting more sustainable digital choices and increasing awareness of the environmental impact of online activity.

The University continues to engage with suppliers and partners to better understand and reduce the impacts associated with websites, cloud services and digital platforms, while seeking opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.