QMU wins e-Government National Award

Queen Margaret University (QMU) has won an e-Government National Award 2010 in the category for sustainable ‘green IT’ or ‘carbon-efficient’ services.

The ceremony, which took place 26 January at London’s Guildhall, was supported by the Prime Minister, David Cameron. The awards ceremony is considered to be one of the most prestigious events in the public sector calendar.

QMU won the award for going beyond its successful implementation of thin client technology throughout the institution and for further reducing energy and carbon consumption from its IT systems.

Fraser Muir, QMU’s Director of Information Services, who received the award on behalf of the institution told The Journal: “We are delighted that our work in delivering ongoing reductions in energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions from our IT processes has been recognised at such a high profile event.”

A total of 11 e-Governmental awards were given out to various institutions in the UK.

In a speech via video link, Mr Cameron explained:

“The e-Government National Awards recognise some of the brilliant work done by digital specialists working across national and local government. One of our big ambitions is to make government more transparent, open and accountable, and digital communications will play a massive part in that.

"I congratulate all the nominees and encourage all digital specialists across the public sector to follow their good example and innovation.”

The e-Government National awards were developed to provide a benchmark for quality in various categories covering current IT innovation and best practice technology implementation at all levels of government.

Some of QMU's carbon-efficient services include a new building design that requires minimal air conditioning and mechanical ventilation, which will save nearly £47,000 per annum, more server virtualisation and automatic powering down of ICT equipment when not needed.