Net-Zero Digital Research Infrastructure Scoping

Lead Research Organisation: University of Leeds
Department Name: National Centre for Atmospheric Science

Abstract

UKRI is committed to becoming 'Net Zero' by 2040. To support this goal, carbon implications of data generation,analysis, storage and dissemination from our owned digital infrastructure must be considered. This scoping project will support the journey towards environmental sustainability by improving our understanding of the
carbon 'cost' of digital research and developing adaptation strategies for managing our data as part of a Net-Zero Data Roadmap.

NERC will lead an initial 2-year UKRI-wide study to develop a survey of the digital carbon landscape, a roadmap and a set of demonstrators to ensure that our data infrastructure can achieve net-zero. Taking a systems-based approach, we will work to develop adaptation strategies for the way data is conserved, analysed and managed. This will support the aims of the UKRI Environmental Sustainability Strategy and the vision to create net-zero UKRI owned and majority funded data infrastructure, that places carbon-reduction targets in the context of broader research, innovation and sustainability goals. Our Net Zero ambitions mean that this needs to be achieved whilst simultaneously meeting the goals set out in the UKRI 'Opportunities to grow our capability' report.
 
Description The project has generated significant new understanding of technical and social issues related to the carbon footprint of information technology used to support research. An open approach to engaging with the community, with constant focus on reaching under-represented groups, has created a diverse and lively community of action. Gaining technical information about existing facilities has proved harder than expected: it appears that many facilities are run by small teams with little capacity to support requests for information that fall outside standard reporting lines. It was also hard to contact the user community and because these are very large and diverse groups and there is no existing platform for engagement.
Exploitation Route The project is providing recommendations to funders, operators, and users of digital research infrastructure.
Sectors Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Environment,Other
URL https://net-zero-dri.ceda.ac.uk/
 
Description Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of R& I Practice 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact The project was invited to review a draft of the "Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of R& I Practice" which was being prepared by the UKRI Environmental Sustainability Team
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Interview with HM Treasury as part of DCMS Future of Compute review 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The activity consisted of two zoom calls between the lead investigator (Martin Juckes) and Sam Currie of HMT. Sam was conducting interviews as part of the DCMS Future of Compute review and asked questions about both the sustainability of digital research infrastructure and the role of digital research infrastructure.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/future-of-compute-review