Digital Decarb Design Group
The Digital Decarb Design Group’s mission is to address the significant and previously hidden impact of digital practices on the environment to the benefit of society by Reducing our digital carbon footprint. Together.
The Digital Decarbonisation research movement at Loughborough University began in early 2022, led by Professor Tom Jackson and Professor Ian Hodgkinson. Together, they aimed to outline the nature of the vast, and growing, size of the carbon footprint produced by our digital activities.
Their groundbreaking findings have showcased the impact that issues like ‘dark data’, the growth of streaming, and AI technology are having on the escalating problems of carbon emissions and climate change.
Despite the media’s focus on carbon emissions from the automotive, aviation and energy sectors, the data industry is likely to produce more emissions than these industries combined.
The Digital Decarb Design Group was launched by Loughborough University in 2024, drawing on £400,000 in funding support from the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships award. This innovative initiative seeks to develop the next generation of digital decarbonisation researchers and explore ecosystem solutions for digital decarbonisation – helping to accelerate the path to net zero.
£400k investment
from the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships award.
Paving the way for a paradigm shift in how we approach digital practices and tools, and their impact on the planet.
16+ experts
Academics and researchers from across seven University Schools
Taking a transdisciplinary approach to transform the digital ecosystem for future scaling sustainably.
6 active projects
Fully funded scholarships supporting doctoral researchers.
Interconnected projects focused on transforming the digital ecosystem and redefining approaches to digital and the environment.
