🎉 As we celebrate one year since the launch of Government Digital and Data, many inspiring individuals exemplify the innovative work being done across government. 🎉
Introducing Ishmael Burdeau, Lead Sustainability Business Architect at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). With a passion for tackling the environmental impact of technology, he is at the forefront of driving digital sustainability initiatives in government.
“I suppose like many of us, there are few ‘typical days’, so I’ll do my best to describe some of the things I might get up to in my role.
“Most days start very early with a run in the hills of my adopted home in the Peak District. I have been doing this for many years, and it really helps to ground me and also reminds me of the importance of protecting the one planet we happen to have.
“Digital sustainability is a very new area, but awareness is rising rapidly. This year’s COP 29 in Baku is addressing the environmental impacts of digital for the first time.
“A big part of my role is education and measurement, though even for an industry as advanced as ours, measurement remains a challenge. I often collaborate across government, working on Green IT policies, guidance, and projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of ICT.
“At DWP, two key projects are e-waste and a personal carbon calculator. On e-waste, we’re tackling the ‘drawers of doom’ problem—unwanted cables and old devices hidden away. Finding a second life for this equipment is vital to reducing mining and resource scarcity.
“The personal carbon calculator is in the prototyping stage. It’s designed to help staff estimate the environmental cost of their digital activity in less than five minutes, linking them to tips for reducing their impact.
“The work is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with so many talented, committed people gives me hope, even when the big questions around climate and the environment feel overwhelming.”
🔗 You can also find your next government digital role in by visiting: https://bit.ly/4eEhhsd
