Honoring Earth Day and the Year of the Environment | Information Technology
Happy Earth Day, Tribe!
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April 22, 2025
Highlighting W&M IT’s Efforts to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect our planet. This year, William & Mary is taking significant strides towards sustainability with its Year of the Environment initiative, underscoring the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Among the many efforts being made, the contributions of W&M IT are particularly noteworthy.
Recycling and Donating Laptops
W&M IT actively participates in the Recycle Virginia program to recycle old laptops. Any laptops that are still in good condition are donated to Literacy for Life, thereby extending their usefulness and supporting education initiatives. For laptops that are no longer functional, the university ensures they are properly recycled, furthering its commitment to reducing electronic waste.
Teleworking and Virtual Meetings
Teleworking and virtual meetings have become integral to W&M IT’s operations. By reducing the need for employees to travel to buildings off-campus, such as the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Discovery buildings in New Town, the university significantly cuts down on carbon emissions associated with transportation. Embracing digital communication tools allows for seamless collaboration while mitigating environmental impact.
Transition to AWS Cloud
Moving to the AWS cloud is another major step W&M IT has taken towards sustainability. The power efficiency of AWS’s scale and tools enables the university to optimize its energy consumption. Cloud computing not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with W&M’s broader environmental goals.
Minimizing Paper Use
The reduction of paper use through the deployment of technology is a key aspect of W&M IT’s sustainability strategy. By leveraging digital solutions, the university minimizes the reliance on paper, thereby conserving natural resources and reducing waste.
Transition to Teams Soft Phones
To further cut down on physical waste, W&M IT has transitioned from traditional plastic phones to Teams soft phones. This move significantly reduces the waste generated by obsolete hardware, promoting a more sustainable and efficient communication system.
Liquid Cooling in HPC Racks
In the realm of high-performance computing (HPC), W&M IT has implemented liquid cooling for its racks. This innovative cooling method reduces the need to cool entire rooms, thereby lowering overall energy consumption. Liquid cooling is not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly.
Sharing Office Space to Conserve Energy
One of the innovative approaches W&M IT has adopted to minimize its carbon footprint is the sharing of office space. By consolidating workspaces, the university conserves energy used for HVAC systems and lighting. This thoughtful use of space not only reduces energy consumption but also promotes a collaborative work environment.
William & Mary’s Year of the Environment and Earth Day celebration highlight the university’s dedication to sustainability. Through the efforts of W&M IT, the university is making significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. As we honor Earth Day, let us take inspiration from these initiatives and continue to work towards a greener, more sustainable future.
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