New White Paper: Digital Research Infrastructure Lifecycle Model

On June 3rd, 2025, at the EGI Conference in Santander, the GreenDIGIT consortium officially presented its new White Paper: Digital Research Infrastructure Lifecycle Model.

Why this matters? 

Scientific progress today relies on Digital Research Infrastructures (DRIs) – including supercomputers, data platforms and AI services – that are becoming more and more complex, interconnected, and energy-intensive.  Without careful planning, these powerful systems can carry a significant environmental footprint. 

Developed under the GreenDIGIT project with partners including EGI, SLICES, and SoBigData, the study addresses sustainability at every stage of an RI’s lifecycle — from early planning and eco-conscious hardware procurement to energy-optimised operations and responsible termination and decommissioning of digital services. 

Its guidelines focus on strengthening interoperability; ensuring alignment with EU and international regulations; promoting long-term sustainability; and boosting strategic planning. 

Who should read it?  

The paper targets a wide range of stakeholders including policymakers (i.e. ISO (1) and the European Commission), RI managers and administrators, technical operators, experimental researchers, users of the RIs, and industry partners. For each group, it offers actionable recommendations for lowering carbon footprints, optimising machine learning energy use, and applying circular economy principles, like equipment refurbishing.  

Aligning with International Standards 

Examining best practices, instruments, and indicators, the paper integrates the analysis of methodologies for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)(2), aligning with ISO standards measuring environmental footprints and referencing EU sustainability regulations and directives, including CSRD, ESPR, EED, and WEEE (3). 

The way forward: a unified strategy 

The study concluded that a unified life-cycle strategy for RI is essential to balance strong technological development, and growing energy demands with sustainability goals and with changing scientific and social needs. By adopting these guidelines, RI can: 

• Reduce waste and emissions, reinforcing their accountability to sustainability; 

• Preserve valuable research outcomes for the long-term; 

• Ensure alignment with EU and international regulations; 

• Strengthen Europe’s position as a leader in sustainable, world-class science. 

Download the White Paper ''Digital Research Infrastructure Lifecycle Model'' and discover how EBRAINS and its partners are shaping a greener, more responsible future for digital science.

Authors: Ulpan Kudaibergenova (EBRAINS), Ciprian Ciulpan (EBRAINS), Yuri Demchenko (UvA), Iida Lehto (MI, Mandat International) 

Notes:

(1) International Organization for Standardization 

(2) Lifecycle Analysis (LCA), also known as Lifecycle Assessment, is a systematic approach to assessing the environmental impact of a product, service, or system throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.

(3) Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) during operation/procurement; Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) during Design and Operation/Procurement; Energy Efficiency Directive (EED); Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, during operation and termination.