Virtual meeting technologies like videoconferencing can significantly reduce travel and associated carbon emissions according to a study of their use in UK universities. Surveys of over 40 travel managers and JANET VC users found considerable usage of virtual meetings but also key barriers to greater adoption like ease of use, information, and technology support. Case studies showed specific universities reducing travel by 25% or more between campuses through virtual meeting tools.

1. Virtually Sustainable Peter James and Lisa Hopkinson SusteIT, University of Bradford Videoconferencing (VC) and other virtual meeting technologies as a means of reducing travel-related energy and carbon Builds on 15 years previous research Collaboration with WVN

2. Surveys Surveys in 5-10 universities on staff use of virtual meeting technologies – quantify travel impacts Survey of university travel managers from over 40 universities and colleges Survey of JANET VC users

3. Virtual Events Conferencing , Edinburgh, Aug 2010 The V-Factor , 4 Welsh sites, Feb 2011 (with Welsh Video Network) E-learning best practice , Bradford, April 2011

4. Cases & Briefing Papers Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor/Llandrillo - until recently ~25% of all the UK-wide calls handled by the JANET VC Service. University of Bedfordshire - uses VC to reduce travel and improve communication between 5 campuses. Glenda Davies John Wells

5. Final Report Provisional UK conclusions: Considerable use, but JANET a minority Hunger for more Key barriers – ease of use, information, technology focused support