Skip to content
Skip to navigation menu

 

Hints and tips

Here are a few hints and tips for using information services more sustainably, at work or at home:

reduce, reuse, recycle icon

At work...

  • Switch off IT equipment when it is not in use – but please consult the owner of the equipment, your Local Computing Representative, or a technician first.
  • To power down a PC which is running the standard University Windows image, you can simply log out. INSRV's power-saving software will automatically power the PC down when it is logged out and not being used.  (To check the image, right click on My Computer and choose Properties - if you see an INSRV logo, then the PC has a standard University Windows image).
  • Use video-conferencing, Skype or telephone conferencing to communicate with colleagues instead of travelling.
  • Ensure your computer screensaver is a low power one: for example, the Windows XP logo screensaver - or switch it off completely if it is not needed.
  • Set the monitor to power down when not used, if this is not already enabled.
  • University members can use Cardiff Portal for remote file access, electronic journals and email - reducing need for travel and document printing.
  • For procedures on disposal of University IT and other WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) please see the University's Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Unit (OSHEU) website, and the University's purchasing website.
  • Use duplex (double-sided) printing where available and appropriate, to save paper. For help with duplex printing in an Information Services IT room or library, please see our network printing web pages or speak to a member of Information Services staff. Within your academic school, please consult your school technician and budget holder where appropriate on printer purchase and the use of duplex printing.
  • Contact your School's Local Computing Representative or Library Representative when purchasing equipment/library resources, to avoid duplication where appropriate.
  • Before planning to install a server or server room, please contact insrvConnect - the INSRV Service Desk - or your Local Computing Representative.
  • Use Learning Central where appropriate to use and distribute lecture notes
  • Please see the Cardiff University Sustainability web pages for more ideas.
'reduce your carbon footprint' icon

At home...

  • Turn off PCs/Macs and printers/peripherals when not in use
  • Change your power management settings to ensure you use a low-power or disabled screen-saver, and that the monitor powers down when unused
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle and dispose of your waste carefully - find out more information
  • Use duplex (double-sided) printing where possible
  • Use a "plug-in power and energy meter" to measure how much energy is being used by different appliances. These are available for around £15 online or from DIY shops
  • Donate books to charity when you no longer need them. Recycle books, magazines and newspapers where you can rather than sending them to landfill.

We also welcome your ideas on how to use Information Services more sustainably.