#  Sustainable IT 

 



#  Sustainable IT 

 Programs & initiatives 

 

 

       ![2019 Harvard University IT Summit](/sites/g/files/omnuum10811/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-05/2019%20IT%20Summit%20-%20Photo%20by%20Michelle%20Jay.jpeg?itok=EF0wQ5U3) 

 

 



 

 



 

##  Contents 

- [Overview](#overview)
- [Recycle your e-waste](#recycle)
- [Additional guidance](#guidance)
- [Get help](#help)



 

##  Overview 

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](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/) 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](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/scope-3-emissions/) 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](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/qa-with-harvards-sustainable-it-lead/) driving these efforts, Harvard is using data, faculty research, and strategic partnerships to understand and mitigate IT-related environmental impacts.



 

##  Recycle your e-waste 

Proper disposal of e-waste through shredding and recycling prevents identity theft, reduces landfill waste, and supports environmental sustainability. [Learn more about how to safely and properly recycle your electronic devices](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=06607480474ad2109f7d957c416d43c6).



 

##  Additional guidance 

 



 recycling 

 [### Harvard Zero Waste Framework

 ](https://www.energyandfacilities.harvard.edu/facilities-services/recycling-waste-management/zero-waste)Framework for transitioning the University to a Zero Waste campus



 

 

 compost 

 [### Sustainable purchasing guidance

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/resources/sustainable-purchasing/)Make more informed, sustainable purchasing decisions for your office



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Get help 

 



 email 

 [### Reach out to HUIT\_sustainableIT@harvard.edu 

 ](mailto:HUIT_sustainableIT@harvard.edu) 

 

 group 

 [### Green Team Network

 ](https://sustainable.harvard.edu/organization/green-teams/)