Join us in shaping a more sustainable future for NRENs
We're excited to have you here at
Welcome!
This isthe home of the Special Interest Group on Sustainability
(SIG-Sustainability
). Our mission is to foster open dialogue and knowledge-sharing around each member’s sustainability
There is a growing need within the NREN community to monitor and measure our sustainability impact against agreed targets, particularly in terms of Green House Gas emissions and energy utilisation. Each member has a different level of maturity and plans around sustainability topics such as:
- Carbon footprint
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Regulatory requirements
- Responsible procurement
- Resource consumption
- Supplier and client engagement
- Diversity & inclusivity
- investment and many other associated topics
The aim of this SIG is to share each member’s plans and to learn together to develop the overall strength of the group in relation to sustainability and delivering impact across the UN Sustainability Development Goal’s.
goals and initiatives. As the global NREN community increasingly focuses on environmental and social responsibility, it's more important than ever to track and improve our collective impact. Each NREN brings a unique perspective and level of experience.
Through this SIG, we aim to learn from one another, share best practices, and strengthen our collective ability to drive meaningful change, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or leading the way, your voice matters. Get involved, share your insights, and help us turn ambition into action.
Keep up to date and don't miss out on upcoming events:
Our Steering Committee:
- Andy Byrne - HEAnet
- Clare Casey -
- Jisc
- Laura de Kievit - SURF
- Anke Friedrich - GÉANT
Coordinator:
Clare Casey - JISC
Next meetings(s):
Judith Dix - Jisc
To find out more about SIG-Sustainability or to get involved, please email judith.dix@jisc.ac.uk
Learn more about our SIG:
UPCOMING EVENTS
Joint meeting with SIG-Marcomms (online)
October 21, 2025 (12:00 - 14:00 CEST)
We are working to finalise the agenda, but you can expect presentations and discussions on selected sustainability topics and what stories we can help tell as a community of marcomms experts; greener comms for events, design and our digital presence in general; as well as educating NREN staff on sustainability topics.
More info about the content soon! But in the meantime, please save the date and register to receive the zoom link HERE.
Agenda here
Mastering Sustainability Reporting: Strategies for Impact and Compliance (online)
Date and time TBC
Sustainability Topics
Carbon Offsetting
May 2025
Making good for Carbon Emissions
Steering Group member Dr Anke Friedrich, Project Manager at GÉANT, provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, evaluating, and implementing carbon offsetting strategies as part of a broader approach to achieving net zero emissions, with a focus on reduction, removal technologies, standards, and practical examples.
Sustainability Reporting
May 2025
Jisc Sustainability Strategy
Jisc’s sustainability strategy outlines its commitment to becoming a leader in environmental and social responsibility by integrating climate action, wellbeing, diversity, and ethical governance into its operations, while supporting the education and research sectors in their own sustainability journeys.
Sustainability Reporting
2024
HEAnet ESG Strategy 2024
HEAnet’s ESG strategy outlines its commitment to sustainability and responsible governance by reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and supporting Ireland’s digital and educational ambitions through environmentally and socially conscious practices.