Green IT
The SAHIS team has a dedicated Green IT group that focuses on enhancing IT services with a commitment to environmental sustainability. The group is actively working towards achieving the Green Impact Bronze Award, as described in more detail below.
We encourage University staff to read the information on the Environmental Sustainability team's SharePoint site which outlines their commitments and progress towards a low-carbon University. Their 4-minute induction video can be found here.
SAHIS Green IT Policy
In summary, we:
Choose IT equipment that are certified as energy efficient and green compliant.
Maximise the use of PCs and laptops through a 4-5 year replacement program and assess these throughout their lifespan.
Repurpose IT equipment if they remain functional, donating within the University or to charitable organisations.
Aim to reduce printing costs and paper consumption by utilising electronic resources to access documentation.
Ensure that duplex printing, decreased print margins and smaller fonts are always selected, when printing hardcopies is necessary.
For more information on our policy, please see the document.
SAHIS Green IT Policy.docxRecycling
The SAHIS team's recycling policy complies with relevant University regulations and standards. We minimise electrical waste by prioritising repurposing. Equipment that cannot be repurposed is recycled using the University's approved contractor. Devices are wiped to ensure the secure removal of sensitive data prior to recycling.
The team are available to help recycle staff's electronic waste, ensuring it is disposed of properly.
Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE)
Non-functioning items are responsibly recycled as part of the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) scheme. The University of Cambridge has a contract with Restore Technology, which allows us to recycle all of our WEEE equipment. We store equipment ready to be recycled in bulk to reduce travel and emission costs.
Household portable batteries (e.g. AA, AAA)
Valpak’s organises battery boxes to be delivered for the collection of household portable batteries. Once the box is filled, our collections company G&P Batteries will collect waste batteries.
Lithium-Ion batteries
TradeBe provides collection for Lithium-Ion batteries.
Toner
All toner (genuine and 3rd party) and accessories such as spare parts and belts can be collected by TradeBe. TradeBe will collect toner boxes and send a replacement box to refill for the next collection.
Travel
The University aims to minimise the carbon emissions from transport and are looking at ways to reduce the impact of air quality in Cambridge. To reduce congestion commuting to and from the workplace and demand on car parking, the SAHIS team encourages University staff to consider low-carbon travel choices such as cycling or using public transport.
Low-carbon travel:
Cycling
The University offers financial support when purchasing a bicycle with the Travel to Work loan or the national Cycle to Work scheme.
Rent an e-bike or e-scooter with the Voi travel at work scheme.
Bus
Park & Ride for commuting from outside of Cambridge City Centre.
Subsidised bus travel on the Universal bus service.
Car share
Virtual alternatives for meetings