The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published its Digital Sustainability Strategy 2025 to 2030, outlining how it plans to cut the environmental impact of its digital and technology operations while strengthening sustainability standards across its supply chain.
Digital systems are estimated to contribute around 13% of Defra’s total carbon footprint. The department’s new strategy recognises that while technology can add to emissions, it is also key to improving efficiency, resilience and environmental outcomes across its work.
The strategy sets six main objectives covering emissions reduction, circular economy practices, sustainable procurement, greener digital delivery, resilience to climate impacts and cultural change. The goal is to integrate digital sustainability into routine decision making across the department and its partner bodies.
A major focus of the plan is on supplier performance. Defra will require greater transparency from technology providers, including detailed reporting of indirect (Scope 3) emissions and evidence of verified net zero commitments.
From 2025, sustainability will carry a weighting of up to 15 per cent in major digital procurements. This goes further than the minimum requirements of the Procurement Act 2023.
Four major contract areas will be prioritised for implementation: connectivity, end-user services, hosting and storage, and application support. Suppliers will be expected to demonstrate ongoing progress against agreed environmental and social criteria throughout the contract lifecycle.
The strategy sets measurable indicators to track progress by 2030. These include:
The department also plans to expand the use of carbon monitoring tools, greener design principles and data-driven decision support for technology investments.
Defra’s assessment shows that most of its technology-related emissions come from suppliers rather than internal systems. In 2023–24, centrally managed IT accounted for around 9,900 tonnes of carbon, compared with more than 87,000 tonnes from supplier operations.
Electronic waste remains a concern, with 198 tonnes recorded in 2023–24 and only 40 per cent reused. The strategy commits to improved asset tracking, refurbishment and recycling.
Social and environmental risks in global ICT supply chains, including labour conditions in component production, will be addressed through enhanced due diligence and contract management.
The department also highlights the need for digital services and infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change. Business continuity planning and procurement processes will incorporate climate resilience assessments.
Implementation will begin in 2025, with progress monitored annually. Defra says it will work with central government functions and industry partners to align data reporting, share best practice and refine measurement methods.
The department also intends to engage with small and voluntary sector suppliers to ensure requirements remain proportionate and achievable.
By formalising these measures, Defra aims to make digital sustainability part of its long-term operational model and to support wider government commitments on net zero, resource efficiency and biodiversity recovery.