As computing and artificial intelligence, from enterprise systems to hardware and devices, become a more central part of campus activities, there is a growing need to bring Cornell’s rapidly escalating activities and investments in technology and computing into alignment with campus sustainability goals and planning. To address this challenge, the Sustainable Cornell Council, Cornell’s sustainability governance body for the Ithaca campus, recently established a Sustainable Computing Workgroup. The group of faculty, staff, students and alumni, is headed up by Steven Jackson, Vice-Provost for Academic Innovation and Professor of Information Science and Science and Technology Studies, and is charged with addressing three main goals 1) improve tracking and public reporting of computing-related sustainability metrics; 2) increase awareness and education around computing and AI-relate sustainability challenges (including the areas of sourcing and extraction, energy and water, and waste and repair; and 3) explore and promote more sustainable alternatives, including where computational and AI tools may enhance and support Cornell’s wider goals.

The workgroup recently co-sponsored the Bowers Earth Day Repair Fair held on April 22 in Gates Hall. The event, put on by Bowers, the Cornell Computer Reuse Association (CCRA), the Campus Sustainability Office, the Sustainable Computing Working Group, and R5 Operations, in partnership with Ithaca ReUse, had tables set up where volunteers provided advice to attendees on any tech issues they might be facing on their devices, and conducted simple repairs. Keep an eye out next fall for the next workgroup event, Cornell Unplugged, a day when the Cornell community is encouraged to “unplug,” be off-line, off-screen and off-tech to the fullest extent feasible for the day.

Steve Jackson

3. CALL TO ACTION: Schedule time to unplug!

In addition to being environmentally friendly, unplugging from technology can help reduce feelings of stress and loneliness. Pick a date and challenge yourself to be tech-free. A full day too much? Here are some ways people reduce their overall screentime.