Sustainable IT is the practice of understanding and responsibly managing the environmental impacts of technology across its full life cycle, while seeking opportunities for technology to contribute to positive outcomes. Co-led by Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) and Harvard’s Office for Sustainability since 2008, the University-wide Sustainable IT Committee develops resources and best practices that advance sustainable IT on Harvard’s campus.  

Harvard takes a lifecycle approach to measuring and responsibly managing the environmental impact of our digital infrastructure, including those such as AI, laptops, data centers and more. This includes integrating sustainability into vendor assessments, measuring hardware emissions to guide procurement and optimize use, and partnering with certified e‑waste vendors to ensure responsible reuse and disposal.  

With a dedicated Sustainable IT Lead driving these efforts, Harvard is using data, faculty research, and strategic partnerships to understand and mitigate IT-related environmental impacts.