Better IT infrastructure and its carbon savings

Aberdeenshire Council is rolling out improvements to its wired and wireless networks to reduce their carbon impact while providing more cost-effective and secure coverage across the whole of its estate. 

Once the rollout is complete, an estimated annual carbon savings of 124 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent will be achieved—that’s around the same emissions as 460,000 miles of diesel car travel or charging a typical smartphone more than 15 million times. 

The current networking equipment will reach its end-of-life phase by October 2025. The latest phase in the rollout of new, smaller, energy efficient equipment will be complete in April 2025, enhancing the security of the network while also maintaining coverage for staff. 

Partner organisations, such as the NHS, will also benefit across 391 networked sites. NHS staff will be able to work from any council location without the need to procure, install, or manage additional network infrastructure, enhancing the value of the public pound beyond council staff. 

For example, a school nurse could also use NHS IT equipment in a sports or vaccination centre with little or no need to engage IT support.    

Cllr Gillian Owen, Council Leader and Chair of the council’s Business Services Committee, said: “Our current network has proven to be exceptionally reliable over the years, but it can be surprising just how much energy an aging network can use. These improvements will not only maintain our network’s reliability, but with less energy consumed across our estate for reduced costs and carbon footprint.” 

Cllr Sarah Dickinson, Chair of the council’s Sustainability Committee said: “The path towards Net Zero is a huge undertaking with many projects in between, most of which require funding and dedication from public and private bodies. The fantastic thing about this project is that it saves the council money in the long run and helps us in our journey towards Net Zero.”

Aberdeenshire Council was the first local authority in Scotland to develop and approve a carbon budget, aligning itself with the ambitious targets set into law by the Scottish Government, which include emitting net-zero greenhouse gases by 2045. 

In addition, Aberdeenshire Council developed a route map that sets out how it will work to de-carbonise 75% of its emissions by the end of the decade and onto achieving net zero by 2045. 

The plan has a focus on Aberdeenshire Council's operational buildings, fleet, and street lighting, which account for more than 90% of its carbon footprint.