About the project or challenge area

In this project existing and potential forms of regenerative impacts of ICT will be studied.

'Sustainable design’ asks; How we can design while aiming to do no harm? Unfortunately, when we don’t reach that aim, we end up doing harm. ‘Regenerative design’ asks a different question; How can we design in a way that increases biodiversity, reduces carbon and leads to flourishing communities? In short how can we design so that people (and the ecosystems that support them) thrive.

Context: Currently no positive life cycle impacts considered in the direct impact of ICT.

Why choose this project?

Within this project, the student will:

1.  carry out the critical literature review looking at existing forms of regenerative use of resources across the a) direct life-cycle stages of ICT (here the “direct effects”), as well as b) the use of ICT as an application to establish/support/enhance regenerative ecosystems use in other parts of the economy

2. identify recommendations for a range of stakeholders - policy, business/industry, consumers

Possible references/starting point: https://dodonut.com/blog/the-future-of-sustainable-information-technology/
https://computingwithinlimits.org/2018/papers/limits18-mann.pdf

About you

It would be beneficial if the student had experience or knowledge in one of these: life cycle thinking, the environmental impact of ICT, or regenerative ecosystem use.  We'll provide some training / direct the students to the topics of life cycle thinking, the environmental impact of ICT, or regenerative ecosystem use.

How to apply

All students can apply using the button below, following the Admissions Statement (PDF, 188kB). 

This project is not funded, for further details please use this link.

Before applying, we recommend getting in touch with the project's supervisors. If you are interested in this project and would like to learn more about the research you will be undertaking, please use the contact details on this page.