Earlier this month, AccountCarbon attended the GovTech Summit 2025 in London, where government leaders, technology experts, and industry innovators gathered to discuss the role of technology in shaping the future. One of the most significant takeaways from the event was the recognition that technology is not just the responsibility of the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology; rather, it must be a core focus for every government department. This includes the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Sociotechnical Nature of Technology

A crucial point raised at the summit was that technology does not exist in a vacuum. There is no such thing as a purely technology-focused project—almost all technology initiatives are sociotechnical in nature. This means that success relies not only on technological functionality but also on how users interact with the systems, their attitudes, and their willingness to participate. Therefore, for any digital transformation initiative to be effective, the human element must be prioritised alongside technological development.

Technology and Sustainability in Government Operations

The UK government is making substantial investments in the right technologies to enhance efficiency across various departments. A key component of this strategy is ensuring that operations become more sustainable, with a strong emphasis on optimising resource use. One of the most striking projections discussed at the summit was the expected 20-fold increase in computing power in the coming years. While this expansion will undoubtedly drive innovation and efficiency, it also poses significant challenges in terms of energy consumption.

The Carbon Impact of Expanding Technology

With this surge in computing power, ensuring that the energy required is carbon-free is critical to maintaining the government’s Net Zero targets. Without a strategic approach to sustainable energy sources, the increased demand for computational power could undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into every technological decision, from procurement to implementation.

The Role of Carbon Accounting in Tech-Driven Government

As a sustainability consultancy specialising in carbon accounting, AccountCarbon sees a significant opportunity for government agencies to adopt rigorous carbon measurement and reduction strategies within their digital initiatives. By embedding carbon accounting into tech projects from the outset, government bodies can make data-driven decisions to minimise their environmental impact while maximising efficiency gains.

Moving Forward

The GovTech Summit 2025 underscored the undeniable intersection of technology, governance, and sustainability. As governments worldwide continue to embrace digital transformation, they must do so with a firm commitment to sustainable practices. By prioritising user engagement, efficient resource use, and carbon-free energy solutions, the UK government has the potential to set a global benchmark for responsible and effective digital innovation.

At AccountCarbon, we are dedicated to helping organisations navigate the complexities of carbon accounting in the digital age. If your department or business is looking to align technological advancements with sustainability goals, we’d love to help you achieve a greener future.

For more insights and sustainability strategies, stay tuned to our blog or get in touch with us today and let our carbon accounting experts guide you to a more accurate and efficient way of measuring your carbon footprint.