At a time when our commitment to mitigate the impact of climate change has never been more urgent, a sustainable approach to technology should be at the heart of any digital transformation strategy. Building on techUK's 2023 insight paper - Cloud computing and the path to a more sustainable future - this event will explore the key pillars of a sustainable approach to cloud services.
As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, the challenge is no longer just about scaling infrastructure - it’s about doing so in a way that is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. Speakers and attendees will dive into the latest innovations in data centre and hardware design, cooling, and networking that are shaping a greener foundation for cloud computing, as well as the types of sustainability data customers need to track progress and inform decisions.
A truly sustainable cloud also requires users to take an active role in how they deploy and manage these resources. This event will also highlight best practice for GreenOps, smarter data management, cloud-native technologies, and green software practices - all of which help organisations reduce waste, optimise performance, and meet their sustainability goals.
More details and a list of speakers will be announced in due course.
Opening remarks
Panel 1 - Greening the foundations: Innovation in sustainable cloud infrastructure
-
Cutting-edge developments in data centre design, hardware efficiency, and advanced cooling methods that reduce energy use and emissions.
-
How cloud providers can deliver infrastructure that balances energy efficiency, cost savings, and performance at scale.
-
The UK energy supply chain and what the tech sector needs to deliver cloud and AI infrastructure sustainably as demand scales over time.
-
The role of sustainability data and reporting in empowering customers to make informed decisions about their digital transformation strategies.
Coffee Break
Panel 2 - Optimising the cloud: GreenOps, data management, and sustainable best practices
-
Using GreenOps to monitor, manage, and optimise cloud usage for lower carbon footprints and reduced waste.
-
Smarter data management and cloud-native approaches that enhance efficiency while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
-
The growing importance of green software practices and how coding, architecture, and deployment choices impact energy consumption.
Coffee Break
Panel 3 - AI at Scale: Building a sustainable future for AI in cloud services
-
Exploring the energy and resource demands of training and running AI models, how these challenges scale when AI is delivered through cloud services, and what cloud providers (and SaaS companies) can do to mitigate these challenges.
-
The role of cloud providers and AI companies in developing more energy-efficient infrastructure and tools to support AI workloads, from specialised chips to optimised data centres.
-
GreenOps in an AI world - what do users need to consider when thinking about the underlying carbon footprint of their AI assistant? What sustainability metrics and reporting might customers expect from AI delivered via cloud platforms?
Networking and refreshments
Call for contributions: A sustainable future for Cloud, Data and AI
Submit case studies and success stories highlighting the latest innovation and best practice around cloud sustainability
Chris Hazell
Sue Daley OBE
Sue Daley OBE
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2055
- Twitter:
- @ChannelSwimSue,@ChannelSwimSue
Laura Foster
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
Laura advocates for better emerging technology policy in the UK, including quantum, future of compute technologies, semiconductors, digital ID and more. Working alongside techUK members and UK Government she champions long-term, cohesive, and sustainable investment that will ensure the UK can commercialise future science and technology research. Laura leads a high-performing team at techUK, as well as publishing several reports on these topics herself, and being a regular speaker at events.
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer exploring adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University and is a Cambridge Policy Fellow. Outside of work she loves reading, writing and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster
