The Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector’s growing carbon footprint and escalating electronic waste pose significant challenges to global sustainability efforts. By 2025, ICT is projected to contribute 6% of global carbon emissions, while electronic waste has increased by approximately 60% between 2010 and 2020. Higher education institutions are a critical responsibility in addressing these challenges by incorporating IT sustainability best practices into every aspect of their operations.

This webinar presents a comprehensive framework for seamlessly integrating Sustainable IT Standards v1.0, consisting of 240 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) topics and metrics, into the existing Higher Education Sustainability Tracking System (STARS). Our primary objective is to identify universal metrics applicable to all higher education institutions, facilitating their inclusion in STARS assessments. Additionally, we aim to provide practical guidelines tailored to every stakeholder in higher education – from students to faculty to staff – to become sustainability practitioners and ambassadors.

The webinar will provide attendees with knowledge and tools to help them target, measure, and disclose sustainability progress within their portfolios. What is the sustainable procurement practice for hardware and software? How do we measure and report energy efficiencies in technology infrastructure, including data centers and cloud services? Can we achieve zero-waste through smart IT asset lifecycle management? How can we address the growing need for equitable digital access for students, faculty, and staff?

This webinar utilizes interactive activities to help participants connect Sustainable IT standards with current AASHE frameworks. It offers practical strategies for addressing IT sustainability challenges within regulatory and budgetary constraints.

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Presenters

Susan Rivera, IT Management Faculty, Central Washington University Sue is part of the IT Management Faculty at Central Washington University. Her research centers on developing applied sustainability curriculum and reporting frameworks for the IT practitioner. She plays a pivotal role in proposing, designing, and implementing sustainability classes, forming the core of the IT Management Department’s Sustainable Practices in IT curriculum. Classes are designed in collaboration with many stakeholders, including IT Management’s Industry Advisory Board, the Sustainability Director, faculty and students. Classes are offered in four different multimodal capacities to enhance equitable access to sustainability education. Rivera is also pursuing her GRI Certification.

Violetta Gotcheva, Director, IT, York University Violeta is the Director of IT at the Faculty of Science, York University where she leads a team committed to integrating sustainability into all areas of their operations. The IT Team at York University actively aligns with SustainableIT frameworks, implementing processes that prioritize efficient infrastructure planning, minimizing waste through asset lifecycle management, and fostering cultural diversity and work-life balance. Throughout her career in Higher Education IT, Violeta has been a passionate advocate for openness in software, data, and education, striving to create inclusive and accessible digital environments. She thrives on pioneering innovative technologies such as AI and Blockchain, always mindful of their broader societal and environmental impacts.

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