techUK and Green Digital Skills, Green Software and GreenOps

techUK is asking members to get involved with a new focus area on so called 'GreenOps', a topic that has come up more and more recently. This is an open ended ask and we’re keen to get members involved if they have developed ‘green ops’, embedded the green software foundation principles in to practice, or specifically looked at green digital skills.

This started with a member brainstorming discussion which was varied and interesting, with members highlighting the lack of customer interest in this issue (compared to bigger ticket ‘net zero’ items like renewables), or just focusing on broad brush decarbonisation targets. Memebrs shared work they had been doing, sharing their own resources and that retrofitting IT asserts and software to be green is harder than building from new. Members also asked what lessons can be learned from hardware manufacturers (who have been embedding sustainability for years by customers and regulations) on metrics, ratings and ‘selling’ sustainability to customers.

In terms of next steps techUK has agreed to do the following over the coming months and we’re really keen to get members volunteering to shape this exciting agenda:

Prepare a ‘toolkit’ with measures (following the Green Software Foundation principles) that can be adopted by techUK members.
A series of ‘masterclasses’ on green IT and how this can work in practice. This includes a basic tickbox for companies who are new to this agenda.
Members are welcome to volunteer to deliver these and show practically how they’ve deployed green digital skills and developed green tools.
Blogs and case studies from members on how they have quantified the sustainability improvements that arose from their deployments.
Collate materials and resources for members. Members pointed out that ‘GreenOps’ (one of the many ways of describing these efforts) has a fair bit of written material, so techUK will collate and make existing resources available. Contact [email protected] for access to this!
Publish a report with CGI on green digital skills within organisations.
Webinars and sessions. The next one will be with Transform, 12pm 17 June 2024 and you can register here. After that we’ll be running a session on green curriculums for software developers in businesses. Others proposed included one on key metrics (for example the ISO carbon intensity standard), and whether or not software can be subject to an LCA.

Interested in learning more or have some ideas? Feel free to get in touch via my details below.

Craig Melson

Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, techUK

Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.

Prior to joining techUK he worked in public affairs and policy has an avid interest in new and emerging technologies. Craig has a degree in Ancient History from King’s College London and spends his time watching Watford FC and holding out hope for Half Life 3.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 020 7331 2172
Twitter:: @techUK,@techUK
Website:: www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-melson-25479936,https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-melson-25479936

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Weronika Dorociak

Programme Manager, Sustainability , techUK

Weronika joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Sustainability in October 2023.

Her role involves advocating for the tech sector in front of key policymakers and stakeholders. Weronika also leads the environmental and sustainability efforts within the Data Centres Group.

Prior to joining techUK, Weronika worked in public affairs and government relations in the legal sector, focusing on innovation and ESG within financial services. She also spent 2 years working as a Caseworker at Parliament. She holds a BA in Politics & International Relations from Queen Mary University of London.

Outside of work, Weronika can be found on a tennis court, at the gym, practicing yoga, or indulging in her love for Taylor Swift's music as a dedicated Swiftie.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weronikaedorociak/

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By 2030, digital technology can cut global emissions by 15%. Cloud computing, 5G, AI and IoT have the potential to support dramatic reductions in carbon emissions in sectors such as transport, agriculture, and manufacturing. techUK is working to foster the right policy framework and leadership so we can all play our part. For more information on how techUK can support you, please visit our Climate Action Hub and click ‘contact us’.

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