Interpreting UKRI Environmental Sustainability Guidance for the Digital Humanities

Climate transition spans all aspects of society, including the Digital Humanities. Researchers and research development professionals will need to play their part. However, as yet UK funders do not provide resources detailing how researchers can make changes to their  research practices in support of environmental and ecological sustainability.

Funders justifiably set expectations around research practice, including impacts on the environment.  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have published a sustainability strategy and is a signatory of a cross-sector environmental sustainability concordat, and in December 2024, the AHRC Research Funding Guide was updated to include a statement on environmental responsibility.

Aimed primarily at Digital Humanities researchers and research offices, this short guide explores the policy resources underpinning the AHRC statement. It offers a series of interpretations of existing guidance on research practice and points to advice on how to operationalise sustainable practice in Digital Humanities research. Our interpretations draw on the Digital Humanities Climate Coalition Toolkit, an extensive and evolving resource that provides guidance on making research practices more environmentally responsible.