By 2040, it’s estimated that 14 percent of global energy will come from digital sources.
Reflecting the issue’s growing relevancy within the public sector, Think Digital Partners has hosted its first event exploring current thinking and best practices around digital sustainability in government.
“This conference is so important in terms of sharing not only a snapshot of where the UK Government is in its digital sustainability journey, but the challenges it has faced to this point, and continues to face, as well as plans for future ongoing initiatives,” said Matt Stanley, founder of Think Digital Partners.
Given the significance of the topic, Think Digital recorded all the sessions at the intimate event to make them available for all public sector professionals across local and central government departments.
“We have had amazing input from leaders across Defra, GDS, DWP Digital and NHS England and are very pleased that whilst working with these government departments and our sponsor CGI, we have able to bring these important topics to a wider audience,” said Stanley.
“It was truly inspiring to see so many people in the room with a shared passion and determination to drive real change in their organisations. The discussions throughout the day reinforced how critical sustainability is to the future of government services, and it was encouraging to hear from those leading the way in embedding sustainable practices across the public sector,” said Wendy Grille Collins, marketing director – government & justice and public safety business units at CGI.
“We were privileged to sponsor Think Digital Partner’s first sustainability summit and to be part of such an engaging and important conversation. It’s clear that collaboration, innovation, and commitment will be key to making a real impact, and events like this play a crucial role in bringing people together to share insights and ideas.”
Here’s a roundup of those sessions:
- In the opening keynote, Tom Parry, head of governance, assurance and risk – digital, data and technology services at Defra highlighted the organisation’s role in leading government efforts around digital sustainability. Parry discussed Defra’s dual focus on internal digital sustainability and cross-government collaboration, including the use of AI and IoT for environmental outcomes. An example of this collaboration is a cross-government steering group, and the Digital Sustainability Alliance with more than 50 organisations. However, he stressed the need to align priorities, improve reporting, and address issues like scope three emissions and AI’s impact on the environment.
- DWP Digital’s Steve Chinnery and Posetiv Cloud’s Mark Butcher weighed in on the challenges of integrating sustainability into digital operations as part of a wider discussion on the behavioural economics of going green. They said that while organisations recognise environmental risks, many struggle to embed sustainability practices beyond superficial commitments. Butcher argued that sustainability is more about culture and leadership than technology, and advocated for more efficient resource consumption and accountability. Chinnery stressed the need for practical training and case studies to empower employees. They also discussed the importance of accurate data for decision-making and the potential of refurbished devices to reduce environmental impact.
- Next, Natalie Jones OBE, director, digital identity at the Government Digital Service (GDS) detailed efforts at GOV.UK to get everyone on board with digital sustainability. Facing a mixture of initial “patches of resistance, intrigue and support,” the team’s efforts led to broader engagement and a training course for 500 employees. Jones highlighted the need for passionate advocates and systematic integration of sustainability into development practices, turning it into a core principle alongside security and accessibility.
- It’s impossible to talk about digital sustainability without discussing the double-edged sword that is artificial intelligence (AI). Here, experts called for more sustainable and responsible approaches to AI development and deployment, and highlighted the importance of transparency, regulation, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Careful Trouble founder Rachel Coldicutt discussed the need to expose the hidden environmental costs of AI, especially for more trivial uses, whereas Scott Logic’s technology director, Oliver Cronk, highlighted the potential for more sustainable approaches to AI, such as using smaller, local models and democratising access to AI skills and resources. Defra’s Digital sustainability product manager, James Blackshaw, meanwhile dived into the concept of the ‘Fourth Industrial Age’ and the rapid growth of AI. He stressed the need for regulation and standards to steer AI towards responsible and sustainable use, especially in the public sector.
- In a fireside chat, Mattie Yeta PHD, chief sustainability officer at CGI, said she sees a strong link between digital and overall sustainability. She outlined five key areas of focus for CGI: research and innovation, climate action and environment, partnering with suppliers and communities, governance, and nature/biodiversity. To engage colleagues on sustainability, Yeta said it’s important to recognise progress, identify internal expertise, communicate – using relatable real-world examples to make the topic more accessible – and encourage accountability.
- Ben Tongue, digital Net Zero lead at NHS England discussed the progress of digital sustainability in NHS England over the past five years. Key achievements include the creation of a cross-system climate management plan, a net zero target by 2045, and initiatives like the Greener NHS supply chain roadmap aimed at reducing carbon footprints by 2028. Additionally, Tongue’s team identified a 92 percent carbon saving per transaction in the switch to using the Wayfinder appointment management app.
- From Guilt to Good: Sometimes the environmental challenges posed by technology can overshadow the positive impact that its responsible use can have on enhancing sustainability. So how can you turn IT from environmental villain to sustainability hero? In this session, Posetiv Cloud’s Mark Butcher, head of digital sustainability at GDS, Jennifer Marks, and lead sustainability business architect at DWP Digital, Ishmael Burdeau, highlighted the importance of shifting narrative from technology’s negative impacts to its positive contributions.
- The final session of the day addressed the future of digital sustainability in government. In a lively session that included audience participation, Parry, Yeta and Marks called for better international collaboration, and urged attendees to demand more from suppliers. The panel stressed the importance of cross-government collaboration, breaking silos, and leveraging resources like the Green Service Principles – such as using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and using alternative energy sources – and the Green Book, which is guidance issued by HM Treasury on how to appraise policies, programmes and projects.
