In 2024, a Special Interest Group on Sustainability (SIG-Sustainability) was formed within the GÉANT Community Programme (GCP), uniting members committed to advancing sustainability. Its primary purpose is to create a collaborative space for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and ambitions while acknowledging individuals will represent different stages in their sustainability journeys. CONNECT interviewed Judith Dix, Sustainability Manager at Jisc, and coordinator of SIG-Sustainability, to explore how sustainability impacts individuals across all professional fields.
What is sustainability, and why is it important?
Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It’s essential because it protects the environment, supports long-term economic growth, and promotes social equity and well-being. At its core, sustainability ensures a fairer, healthier, and more resilient future for all.
Why does the community need SIG-Sustainability?
The necessity for SIG-Sustainability arose from a growing recognition for the need of coordinated responses to sustainability challenges, particularly among National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). Clare Casey, member of the SIG-Sustainability Steering Committee, comments:
“SIG-Sustainability was created due to an increasing interest in how the different NRENs were responding to sustainability reporting, and the measures being implemented to reduce GHG emission impact.”
Addressing topics that range from carbon footprint reduction and resource efficiency, to diversity, inclusion, and climate adaption, the group seeks to strengthen its collective capacity to drive meaningful change. Members also explore avenues for collaboration, such as shared analytical tools, including environmental dashboards, to improve value and impact across the group.
Anke Friedrich, member of the SIG-Sustainability, shares her insights:
“SIG-Sustainability is an important platform to bring together the expertise in strategy development, CO2 accounting and reporting, as well as carbon reduction and offsetting efforts. As different NRENs have started their journeys towards carbon neutrality from different points, there is a lot to learn from each other, especially as we face similar challenges including business travel and monitoring the electricity use of our networks.
Through SIG-Sustainability, participants are empowered to share their sustainability projects and services within each organisation, discuss regulatory requirements, and identify potential funding pathways. In addition to this, we assess the sustainability maturity and activity across NRENs through a group-wide survey.”
How does SIG-Sustainability promote inclusivity?
Inclusivity is at the heart of sustainability, and it’s central to how we operate as a group. We believe that improving sustainability across our sector requires openness, collaboration, and mutual support. Whether you’re starting to embark on your sustainability journey, or you have a PhD in climatology, your voice matters. We’re here to learn from each other, not gatekeep knowledge. Together, we can make a long-lasting impact.
Why should members of our community join SIG-Sustainability?
To gain inspiration and build meaningful collaborations! If you are part of an NREN seeking to connect with others engaged in sustainability efforts, this group is for you. We offer a space to share ideas, challenges, and solutions.
Invitation to collaborate
Collaboration is always welcomed. The group actively seeks partnerships with other Special Interest Groups and working groups where sustainability intersects with their objectives. The recent GCP workshop in Prague highlighted numerous opportunities to integrate sustainability into broader community initiatives.
For more information about SIG-Sustainability and how to get involved, please visit: https://community.geant.org/sig-sustainability
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