So, what can I do? While system wide change is essential, it will tae time. In the meantime we can work collectively to create change. Join the growing communities of researchers, dRTPs and policy makers working to cut the environmental impact of digital research. A supportive framework: The Green DiSC Digital Sustainability Certificate Change must go beyond the individual and focus on system-wide action. Institutions and funders should provide clear sustainability guidance and embed environmental responsibility into funding, procurement, and promotion processes. Researchers need access to training, tools, and metrics that make low-carbon choices practical. And those working towards decarbonisation must be given the time to make changes and recognition for the importance of their work. Grassroots movements: Green RSE Special Interest Group The NetDRIVE Project: Building and supporting communities It’s time to decarbonise digital research Kirsty Pringle, Software Sustainability Institute A Paradox: Digital research is essential for tackling society’s greatest challenges - from health to climate - yet it is itself a growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. Funders and research organisations have pledged to cut emissions, but we still need the world-leading research. My opinion: Most researchers are keen to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, but without clear guidance, training, and support, their efforts risk being fragmented or ineffective. Simply calling for action is not enough, without system-level direction, we risk squandering researchers’ goodwill and slowing the progress needed to decarbonise digital research. ← Scan here to read the article. Pringle, K. (2025, April 9). It’s time to decarbonise digital research. Research Professional News. So, how do we decarbonise digital research without compromising research excellence? Our Green RSE Special Interest Group, run in collaboration with SocRSE, is building a supportive, collaborative community of RSEs and researchers who code. Our aim is to support RSEs to take a key role in decarbonising research. Join us! #green-rse on UKRSE slack
[email protected] Or come and chat at the SSI Stand! Green DiSC is a new digital sustainability certification that provides research groups and central sustainability teams with a roadmap to help reduce emissions. Three categories: Bronze, Silver and Gold The certification is free and the criteria are open source. Green DiSC is led by Loic Lannelongue (University of Cambridge, Green RSE SIG) and supported by the Software Sustainability Institute. NetDRIVE brings together managers, software engineers, academics and others to: Build a shared vision for a sustainable future Encourage a transition to sustainable practices across the DRI community NetDRIVE has appointed 8 Champions. As a Champion, I’ll be running a series of “Green Bytesize” RSE training sessions; short, 1-hour events focused on sustainability in research software. Got an idea for a session? Let me know!
