Sopra Steria, the purpose-led digital transformation provider, has joined the Government Digital Sustainability Alliance (GDSA), a collaboration – led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) – between government departments, academic institutions, and leading tech companies across the UK.
The GDSA was established to ensure the government’s digital infrastructure and supply chains are rationalised, responsible, resilient, and free of slavery/exploitation – creating environmental, social and economic benefits for all.
Launched at COP27, the group works to make sure that digital technologies are a force to achieve the UK’s Greening Government Commitments (which set out the actions government departments and partner organisations will take to reduce their impacts on the environment), Net Zero Strategy, and support the fruition of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
GDSA members collaborate to develop ideas and solutions to digital sustainability challenges – with the aim of promoting and progressing knowledge and capabilities to deliver sustainable digital data and technology across the UK Government and its suppliers.
As a new member, Sopra Steria has committed to work collaboratively to identify and review risks and opportunities, problem solve, and deliver suggestions for amendments to government policies and practices to ensure (that in the UK) we:
- Minimise waste and embrace circular economy concepts.
- Use resources more sustainably and efficiently.
- Procure ICT with social value and environmental considerations.
- Adapt to climate change.
- Seek innovation opportunities.
- Develop tooling and techniques to capture ICT carbon footprints.
Welcoming Sopra Steria and other new GDSA members, Chris Howes, Chief Digital and Information Officer for Defra, and Senior Responsible Owner for Government Digital Sustainability, said:
“Our future very much depends on us all being more adaptable and sustainable. We need technological solutions to help us face global issues like climate change, this places a greater demand on tech, so it’s important that what we deploy is as sustainable as possible. By acting as one, and leaving our badges at the door, we will work collectively as a force for good, sharing best practice and pooling resources.
“We are excited to welcome a breath of new experience to the GDSA, I am sure that the additional support will enable us to be brilliant (in Toby Strong's words) and meet our refreshed goals, whilst supporting the Secretary of State deliver his five key priorities, which include a circular economy, decarbonisation and nature recovery, which I know our GDSA working groups are all committed to.”
John Neilson, Sopra Steria UK CEO, said:
“We want our business to be at the heart of delivering the huge benefits that digital technologies bring to society. And, in the age of AI, this means working closely with government and colleagues across our industry to ensure that ethics and sustainability are at the core of the digital services we develop and provide.
“Our services only matter if they work for people and our planet, and if they serve a greater purpose too. So, joining the GDSA is an exciting opportunity for us to live our values and help shape our world for the better.”
Avinash Lunj, UK Head of Climate and Environmental Sustainability at Sopra Steria, added:
“As a leader in digital transformation we want to ensure that we're delivering our services in the most sustainable way. We also know that engagement and collaboration across the industry – involving the public, private and third sectors – is critical for success when it comes to achieving impactful change.
“This sits at the heart of our Climate and Environmental Sustainability strategy – underlining our pledge to work in synergy with others to facilitate change that paves the way for a greener, more sustainable future.”