DWP Digital Introduces Printing Dashboard to Promote Sustainability

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is making strides towards sustainability with the launch of a new printing dashboard by its digital team. This initiative aims to reduce printing practices within the department, as highlighted by Emma Presley Abbott, the head of digital sustainability at DWP Digital, during her presentation at the UKAuthority Powering Digital Public Services conference.

The printing dashboard is part of a broader sustainability effort within DWP, focusing on increasing sustainability reporting. The department is looking to influence individual behaviors by introducing targeted reporting and fostering competition between sites to lower print volumes.

Alongside the printing dashboard, DWP Digital is moving towards more automated reporting on sustainability factors, shifting towards proactive management rather than retrospective reporting.

As part of service baselining, DWP Digital conducted a thorough analysis of the carbon footprint of a major benefits system, factoring in digital aspects to measure emissions per user in the benefit application process.

Other areas of focus for DWP Digital’s sustainability initiatives include employee engagement, capability development, governance and process, and procurement. The department has reviewed training for digital sustainability skills, integrated sustainability considerations into technical designs, and included sustainability in the core principles of its engineering practice.

Efforts are also being made to incorporate sustainability scoring in quarterly reviews with suppliers to ensure alignment with sustainability goals.

Looking ahead, DWP Digital is mapping out its digital legacy for 2050, the target date for the UK to achieve net zero carbon emissions. Emma Presley Abbott emphasized the importance of establishing sustainable working practices as the new norm within the department.