Sustainable ICT for schools: The role of technology in reducing carbon footprints

As the academic year draws to a close and schools prepare for the summer break, many leadership teams are already reflecting on priorities for the new term. Among the growing priorities for schools is sustainability—and rightly so. With schools accounting for a significant portion of the public sector’s carbon emissions, the education sector has the opportunity to lead by example.

Technology has a pivotal role to play in this. Through smarter procurement and implementation of ICT, schools can actively reduce their environmental impact while improving outcomes for staff and students. Everything ICT’s Department for Education (DfE)-approved framework supports schools in making sustainable technology choices by offering compliant, cost-effective access to energy-efficient devices and low-emission digital solutions.

Energy-efficient devices: A smarter investment for schools

Older hardware can be energy-intensive and costly to maintain. By contrast, newer models of laptops, desktops, and multifunctional devices are increasingly designed with energy efficiency in mind. From solid-state drives (SSDs) and low-power processors to automatic sleep modes and fan-less cooling systems, today’s ICT hardware can dramatically reduce energy use over time.

Our framework ensures that schools can procure the latest energy-efficient technologies with ease. All suppliers on the framework meet stringent criteria, meaning you can be confident in the environmental credentials of the devices you choose—without the need to carry out lengthy vetting processes.

For schools working within tighter budgets, it’s also possible to access high-quality refurbished or second-life equipment through approved suppliers. These devices often feature the same modern, energy-saving specifications as new models, but come at a reduced cost—helping to extend the life of hardware, reduce e-waste, and make sustainable tech choices more accessible.

Cloud-based solutions: Cutting emissions through innovation

Switching from on-site servers to cloud-based systems can significantly reduce your school's carbon footprint. Servers require constant cooling, backup power, and regular maintenance—all of which contribute to high energy consumption and emissions. By adopting cloud-hosted MIS platforms, learning environments, and collaboration tools, schools can streamline infrastructure while improving access and security.

Everything ICT provides schools with access to a vetted range of cloud service providers offering scalable solutions that reduce the need for physical infrastructure. Whether you're planning a full digital transformation or simply moving storage and admin systems to the cloud, we can connect you with the right partners to ensure a smooth, sustainable transition.

"We have really enjoyed working with Everything ICT to secure a provider for our ICT cloud migration project. From start to finish they were really helpful and responsive, giving expertise and guidance throughout the procurement process. Thank you all for making things easier for us to achieve value for money whilst ensuring compliance with important procurement legislation."

Emma F - Five Rivers MAT

Best practices for reducing ICT power consumption

Even with energy-efficient devices and cloud migration, day-to-day habits make a difference. Here are some practical steps every school can take:

• Centralised power management: Use management tools to schedule automatic shutdowns or sleep modes for devices after school hours.

• Monitor and measure: Use energy monitoring software to track usage patterns and identify areas for improvement.

• Consolidate devices: Opt for multi-functional devices (e.g., print-scan-copy machines) to reduce the number of powered units in operation.

• Lifecycle planning: Procure devices with longer lifespans and clear upgrade paths. Our DfE-approved framework can help you find suppliers that offer take-back and recycling schemes.

Making sustainable procurement simple

Sustainability shouldn’t come at the cost of complexity. That’s why our DfE-approved ICT procurement framework makes environmentally responsible procurement both straightforward and fully compliant. Whether you're planning a full refresh or looking to make incremental improvements, we’re here to support you in making informed decisions that align with both sustainability goals and budget constraints.

A summer opportunity

With the summer break on the horizon, it’s a good time to review your school's ICT strategy and implement changes with minimal disruption. Many schools use the holidays to carry out upgrades, refresh devices, and roll out new systems. By focusing on sustainability in your summer planning, your school can return in September on a greener, more efficient footing.

If you're ready to explore how your school can reduce its carbon footprint through smarter technology choices, we're here to help. Contact us to learn more about the solutions available through our framework.