Advancing sustainable technology practices in schools
As schools and colleges navigate the twin challenges of sustainability and financial constraints, there is a growing need to explore how technology can support greener, more cost-effective operations. At techUK, we are launching a focused initiative to understand and accelerate best practices in sustainable technology adoption across the education sector.
We are calling on schools, colleges, trusts, and EdTech providers to share their experiences, challenges, and priorities in making technology more sustainable. This work will contribute to a clearer national picture of the opportunities and barriers in this space and help shape recommendations for policymakers, suppliers, and educators alike.
Key Areas of Focus
- Sustainable Procurement and Management of IT
- What steps are schools and colleges taking to procure refurbished or remanufactured devices?
- How are institutions procuring with consideration of the lifespan of IT assets?
- Technology’s Role in Supporting Green Initiatives
- How is digital technology being used to support energy and heating optimisation?
- Are schools and colleges implementing digital asset registers or other tracking tools to improve resource efficiency?
- Energy Efficient/Sustainability-Conscious Technology Management
- Once a device or system is procured, what measures can schools and colleges enact to extend its useful life while minimising its environmental impact?
- How do schools and colleges currently monitor, assess or report the environmental cost of operating digital infrastructure, and what can help them do this better?
- The Circular Economy and E-Waste Reduction
- How are schools and colleges managing IT recycling and responsible disposal of outdated technology?
- Are there accessible initiatives to upcycle, donate, or resell devices to students, families, or charities and what barriers exist in scaling these efforts more widely?
How to Get Involved
We are inviting schools, colleges, tech providers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to share:
- Practical examples of sustainability initiatives that have worked (or not worked) in schools.
- Biggest challenges preventing progress.
- Ideas for industry collaboration to drive better access to sustainable, affordable technology.
To contribute, please email us at [email protected] or complete our short survey below:
Austin Earl
Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes.
Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.