Sustainable ICT in Universities and Colleges

Information and communication technologies (ICT) such as remote web access, thin client, and videoconferencing can enable staff to work more efficiently and flexibly. They can support space-efficient office layouts, working from home or other remote locations, more effective working ‘on site’ (e.g. estates staff and lab workers), and the replacement of physical meetings with virtual ones.

These developments can reduce building requirements (a major environmental as well as business benefit), minimise transport, enhance work-life balance, and increase productivity. However, they also have potential downsides, and there is often scepticism about the real benefits they provide.

The morning of this workshop will focus on QMU’s use of thin client, open plan office working, and other ICT-related technologies in its new campus. This has 70% less floor space than its predecessor, and achieved the highest BREEAM rating (a measure of environmental performance) of any UK HE site. The afternoon will be devoted to two innovative examples of remote working, and conferencing. Both sessions should therefore be of interest to:

Senior managers wishing to introduce new ways of working to their institution

Estates directors and other staff seeking more effective utilisation of space

IT directors, and other staff, interested in strategic linkages between ICT innovation and organisational effectiveness.