Sustainable choices are also needed in IT
‘As a sustainable university, the role of IT is still often overlooked’, says Victor Viveen, head of the Facilities and Services’ IT department at Wageningen University & Research. ‘We have had the 'bitterballendialogue' in the catering sector; it is now time to have a similar conversation on IT.’ He details how the IT department contributes through more sustainable hardware, software and awareness.
Cell phones are not known for their sustainability. Mining the resources required to manufacture them, such as rare metals, for example, negatively impacts the environment. Manufacturers only offer updates for a limited time, and many components cannot be repaired. However, there are smartphones available that also have fewer negative aspects. WUR has started a pilot where employees can opt for such a phone, the Fairphone 5. This device has replaceable components and offers 8 years of updates. Attention has been paid to the sustainability of each material used in the manufacturing of the phone.
Sustainability is not just a concern in phones. The IT department has many plans to attach more weight to environmental impact when choosing digital devices or systems. With reason, says Victor Viveen, who heads the department. ‘Global energy usage for ICT is expected to rise from 2% in 2023 to 20% in 2050. Too much. We must reduce our energy consumption.’
Start with your hand-held devices
A team of almost 200 staff members are clearing the way for more sustainable hardware and software. He notes that there is much to be gained from personal, handheld devices such as phones and laptops. They will be added to the range of devices available to staff following critical assessments. The same was done for the Fairphone: ‘It may be more expensive, but the monthly cost per employee remains the same because the phone is more durable. That is a big plus.’
‘A more sustainable option, like the Fairphone, is not yet available for laptops’, says Victor. Hence, the IT staff attempt to increase the lifespan of existing laptops used by employees. ‘If a laptop lasts one year longer, more energy is saved than when it is replaced by a more energy-efficient model.’ Repair, when possible, is the motto. The IT department is working to get this organised while upholding the required level of security. Students are also welcome to have their devices repaired.
Even for phone covers, laptop bags, and headphones, more sustainable options are being considered. And not just the small sustainable practices a business may have, he explains. ‘We really consider the materials, use and durability.’
Conscientious use of devices
According to Victor, devices and accessories form only half of the solution for employees. ‘Much depends on how we use our devices and the choices we make in our daily work. Is it better to leave your laptop in standby mode or to switch it off? Is clearing out your mailbox useful? Many people are not aware of the impact of these daily choices,’ he continues. ‘Understandable, so it is up to the IT department to provide employees with information on sustainability.’
‘The 20% energy use hits home and is often the beginning of a conversation. We have had a lot of talk about catering, which is great. However, we feel there is room for more dialogue on IT.’ He expects that this discussion will be prompted by offering sustainable alternatives such as the Fairphone.
Meanwhile, Victor also monitors how Wi-Fi devices can be used more sustainably. ‘In new and reconstructed buildings, we ensure there is good Wi-Fi coverage and cabled internet where needed. But with the least amount of hardware and energy usage possible.’ This boils down to trying to create the perfect combination of networking cables, switches and Wi-Fi access points. ‘It may not make a big difference per component, but it is a large campus, so the combined reduction is considerable when we focus on sustainability in our IT infrastructure.’
What benefits does a more sustainable IT infrastructure offer? 4 examples
| Measure | yield |
| Renewed IT in WUR building Groot Nergena | 7 km of copper networking cables saved with a single extra Wi-Fi access point |
| Switch off part of the Wi-Fi access points outside of office hours | 1.6 Watt per access point (total of 2200 access points on campus) |
| Increase the lifespan of servers and Wi-Fi access points | From 3 to 5, and sometimes even 7 years |
| High-Performance Computer with double power supplies that each work at around 50% capacity rather than 100% | 5% less energy usage |
Sustainably powered supercomputer
And finally, Victor focuses on making the data centre and supercomputer (HPC) Anunna more sustainable. The supercomputer is used by researchers to analyse large datasets with the help of AI. ‘A data centre and HPC use a lot of energy, especially for cooling’, he explains. Hence, we support researchers in the smart use of existing datasets. Additionally, we will link the data centre to the thermal energy storage ring.’ This heating and cooling system uses thermal energy storage in the ground and cuts back energy uses considerably.
Notwithstanding all the efforts to make these IT facilities more sustainable, Victor expects the use of IT and, with it, energy to increase at WUR. ‘Our researchers increasingly rely on IT to face society’s challenges. Consider, for example, issues related to biodiversity, climate and food production. If this research helps society, an increased use of IT is justified. But we want it to be as sustainable as possible.’
Sustainable management
WUR Facilities and Services employees detail how they contribute to sustainable operations in a series of interviews. In other words, WUR operates as sustainably and socially responsible as possible. Consider, for example, topics such as green on the campus, the energy transition, healthy and sustainable catering, sustainable IT and inclusiveness. Thus, WUR contributes to a habitable planet for all through its business management. More information and stories can be found on sustainable business operations.