Support for sustainable ICT in schools and trusts, improving energy efficiency across devices, infrastructure and procurement while reducing environmental impact and supporting long-term digital resilience.
Trusted By...
The Challenge for Schools
ICT is essential to modern education, but it also carries a growing environmental impact. Schools, trusts, colleges and universities rely on thousands of devices, servers, networks and cloud services that consume energy and generate electronic waste. As digital learning expands, improving energy efficiency in ICT across education estates is becoming increasingly important.
Many education settings lack clear data on the energy use, lifecycle or environmental impact of their ICT infrastructure. Procurement decisions are often driven by cost and functionality rather than sustainability. Devices may be replaced prematurely, while older equipment may remain in use long after it becomes inefficient. Without structured guidance, improving ICT sustainability in schools and trusts can be difficult to prioritise alongside day-to-day operational demands.
Talk to an Expert
How We Support Schools and Trusts
We support schools, colleges, universities and Multi Academy Trusts to improve sustainability and energy efficiency in ICT through structured assessment and practical planning. We help education settings understand how ICT devices, infrastructure and digital services contribute to energy consumption and environmental impact.
Our work can include ICT sustainability reviews, device lifecycle analysis and guidance on sustainable procurement and management practices. We also support schools and trusts in integrating ICT energy efficiency into wider sustainability strategies and Climate Action Planning. By identifying opportunities to optimise device use, extend equipment lifecycles and improve infrastructure efficiency, we help education settings reduce energy use while maintaining reliable digital learning environments.
Get in Touch
20 Years of Experience
Proven environmental and sustainability expertise across a variety of complex, regulated UK sectors.
Scientifically Robust Data
Primary, bottom-up carbon and lifecycle data built for accuracy, credibility, and informed decision-making.
Proven Value
Sustainability strategies designed to drive performance, compliance, and long-term business value.
What Schools Gain
Improving sustainability and energy efficiency in ICT provides both environmental and operational benefits. Schools, colleges and universities gain a clearer understanding of the lifecycle impact of their digital infrastructure and the energy demands associated with devices, servers and networks.
This insight allows education leaders to make more informed procurement and management decisions, prioritising efficient equipment and responsible disposal practices. For Multi Academy Trusts, consistent approaches to ICT sustainability can improve oversight across multiple sites. By embedding ICT energy efficiency into wider sustainability planning, education settings can reduce environmental impact, manage electronic waste more responsibly and strengthen the long-term resilience of their digital infrastructure.
Speak with an Expert
“We chose to work with Blue Marble because their CAMP tool gives each of our schools the structure to develop Climate Action Plans consistently, while providing the Trust with oversight and visibility. Their partnership with the Department for Education on the national Sustainability Support for Education service gave us real confidence in their credibility and impact. Blue Marble combine expertise with practical solutions that help us live out our mission of stewardship and care for creation.”
Rose Colpus-Fricker, Chief Operating Officer at Plymouth CAST Multi Academy Trust
Who We Are
Henry Waite
Founder & MDHenry brings 20 years’ experience in renewable energy, spanning biogas, solar, wind and carbon capture, helping organisations measure, mitigate emissions, and thrive sustainably through Blue Marble across multiple sectors globally.
Tim Kemp
Head of TechnicalTim holds advanced environmental degrees and over a decade’s leadership experience in renewable energy and ESG, helping organisations navigate lower-carbon transitions that benefit communities, investors, governments, and long-term business sustainability.
Sam McGarrick
Head of AdvisorySam leads Blue Marble’s Advisory division, specialising in Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations across multiple sectors, combining sustainability expertise with business and legal experience from global corporate and investment roles.
How We've Made an Impact
Phase I & II of University, Council and Government Carbon Champions Project
Blue Marble is pleased to announce the completion of Phase I & II of the Carbon Champions Project. We were selected as an expert consultant for the South Ayrshire Project, funded by the UK Government.
AQA – using Life Cycle Assessment to support decision making around the future of examinations in England
AQA is an examination board providing GCSE, A-levels and support. In 2023, AQA commissioned Blue Marble to conduct a life cycle assessment study comparing a traditional paper-based examination with a digital on-screen examination.
Meeting the DfE’s 2025 Climate Action Plan Deadline — Made Easy
By the end of 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) requires every school in England to have a Climate Action Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is ICT sustainability important for schools and trusts?
-
ICT sustainability is becoming increasingly important as digital technology plays a larger role in education. Devices, servers and network infrastructure consume energy and contribute to electronic waste when equipment reaches the end of its lifecycle. Improving energy efficiency in ICT helps schools, trusts, colleges and universities reduce environmental impact while maintaining reliable digital learning environments. It also supports wider sustainability strategies and helps education settings manage resources responsibly as digital infrastructure continues to expand.
- How does ICT contribute to energy use in education settings?
-
ICT systems can account for a significant share of electricity use across education estates. Devices such as laptops, desktops, tablets, interactive displays and servers all require power, while network infrastructure and data storage systems also contribute to energy consumption. In many schools and universities, these systems operate continuously throughout the day and sometimes overnight. Improving energy efficiency in ICT helps education settings reduce unnecessary energy use while maintaining the digital tools required for teaching and learning.
- What are the main sustainability challenges for ICT in schools?
-
Schools and trusts often face several sustainability challenges related to ICT. These include managing large numbers of devices, balancing performance requirements with energy efficiency and ensuring responsible disposal of electronic equipment. Procurement decisions may prioritise cost or compatibility without considering environmental impact. Universities and colleges may also manage complex digital infrastructures across multiple sites. Addressing ICT sustainability requires a structured approach that considers energy use, device lifecycle management and sustainable procurement practices.
- How can schools improve the energy efficiency of ICT systems?
-
Improving energy efficiency in ICT can involve several practical steps. Schools and trusts can review device specifications when purchasing new equipment, prioritising energy-efficient technologies. Optimising device settings, managing power usage and extending equipment lifecycles can also reduce environmental impact. Universities and colleges may benefit from reviewing server infrastructure, cloud services and data management practices. A structured review of ICT systems helps education settings identify opportunities to reduce energy use while maintaining reliable digital services.
- How does ICT sustainability support wider sustainability goals in education?
-
ICT sustainability plays an important role in broader sustainability strategies for schools, colleges and universities. Digital infrastructure influences energy use, procurement practices and waste management across the education estate. Improving energy efficiency in ICT supports carbon reduction goals while encouraging responsible resource management. When integrated into wider Climate Action Planning, ICT sustainability helps education settings align operational decisions with environmental objectives, ensuring digital transformation supports long-term sustainability outcomes.