Klaudia: computer scientist
Klaudia is a computer scientist who primarily works from home, visiting the office a few times a week.
Almost all of Klaudia’s work involves using a computer - whether she is carrying out literature reviews, reading academic articles, writing proposals and papers, and handling administrative tasks. She also compiles and maintains large datasets from various online sources, which are analysed by the computational tools she develops to analyse trends and answer research questions. Klaudia frequently reviews and optimises these tools for efficiency and reliability.
When her computing needs exceed her personal computer's capacity, she uses the York computer cluster. Occasionally, she needs to purchase new equipment for specific projects using the University’s procurement procedures.
Collaboration is a key part of Klaudia's work. She regularly attends meetings via video conferencing and participates in workshops across the UK and globally, usually travelling by train for domestic events and flying for international ones. Sometimes attendance in person is not necessary, and she is able to attend using video-conferencing software.
She sometimes hosts workshops at the University, often providing food for attendees. While attending workshops or conferences, Klaudia can claim expenses for food, often opting for quick options like sandwiches, but sometimes dining at restaurants when the allowance is more generous.
Klaudia's environmental choices and impacts
Workspace energy
Klaudia's energy consumption from lighting, heating, and equipment in her workspace contributes to her research's environmental footprint. In a shared office, she is responsible for a portion of the total energy used, while at home, it reflects her office needs during work hours.
High energy tasks
Some of Klaudia's computer work is more energy-intensive, especially when using the York computer cluster. The proportion of the power used by the York computer cluster for which her work is responsible would also be included in the environmental footprint of her research.
Cloud computing
Klaudia relies on cloud services like Google Drive for some work, which consumes energy from remote servers so isn't captured by any energy use linked to her office space.
Equipment purchasing
When purchasing new equipment for projects, Klaudia's choices impact her research's environmental footprint. She should consider factors like life cycle cost, energy efficiency, and disposal.
Travel decisions
Klaudia's travel choices for workshops affect her carbon footprint. Attending virtually is less carbon-intensive than flying, especially for long-distance trips. If in-person attendance is necessary, she should consider train travel to reduce emissions.
Workshop attendance
When hosting workshops, Klaudia should assess how many attendees need to be present and offer virtual options when possible. The energy used at the venue will add to her research footprint, and she should also consider the type, quantity, production, and sourcing of food she provides, as these factors affect her research's environmental impact.
Food choices while travelling
Klaudia's food choices during work travel also contribute to her research's environmental footprint. Factors like what she eats, how it's produced, and where it comes from are important considerations.