14 March 2011
FOI REQUEST: 26-11
I refer to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 received by the University on 15 February 2011 andthe University’s response is as follows:
- How many PCs are in the University?
The University has approximately 4100 PC’s.
- Do you use a software tool for Power Management of these PCs?
If you do use a software tool, what is it and what is the annual cost of support & maintenance?
The University has taken advantage of a Procurement Scotland agreement to use Nightwatchman software for PC power management. It’s a two year deal, cost £9,400 +VAT. Net saving, largely in electricity costs, is estimated at £8,000 over two years with a reduction in carbon emission of around 120,000 kg
- Who is responsible for paying electricity bills for the University (Name and Role)?
The University corporately contracts for electricity purchase and as such has corporate responsibility for settling the bills.
- Does the University have a Green IT policy for reduction of carbon emissions?
The Green IT and carbon reduction policy of the University is integrated within our overall Sustainable Development policy within our Carbon Management Plan that has been signed off by the Carbon Trust. Although the University does not have an explicit statement on Green IT this is currently covered within the objectives of our Sustainable Development policy as follows:
Objective 1 – Environment Management and Compliance
To prevent pollution and ensure 100% compliance with relevant environment legislation now and in the future.
Objective 2 – Resource Use
To ensure prudent use of natural resources.
Objective 3 – Utilities Management
To develop and implement best practice utilities management to control cost and consumption of specific natural resources.
Objective 4 – Waste Management
To minimise the production of waste from the University and ensure that the maximum amount is reused and recycled.
Objective 5 – Travel and Transport
To develop solutions to reduce travel and transport impacts generated by the University.
Objective 6 – Changing Behaviour
To change behaviour of staff and students by achieving effective internal communication of environment and sustainability issues.
The University’s Sustainable Development Policy which is currently under review can be found on our website at:
An example of where the University has applied Green ITis the state of the art design of a new IT Data Centre which was the focus of an industry best practice conference recently held here in St Andrews.
I trust this satisfies your request and should you have any queries or require any further details please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
FOI Officer