Projects

This page lists some of the current and past projects in which team members are involved.

Current projects

Experimentation to address digital obsolescence

Experimentation on extending the lifespan of a practical training room equipments O. Gauwin, N. Journet The current computer purchasing policy at the University Institute of Technology (IUT) requires the complete renewal of the IT infrastructure once it reaches seven years of use, even though the equipment remains functional.

This project aims to explore solutions for extending the lifespan of the IT infrastructure within an educational framework by optimizing its use. It is conducted within the Computer Science department of the IUT of Bordeaux, which trains 250 students each year in the Bachelor of Technology (BUT) in Computer Science.

Four main scientific challenges are associated with this project:

  • Implementing diagnostic and repair processes.
  • Mapping the software used in courses and determining the minimum technical requirements needed to run them within our network environment.
  • Identifying potential barriers related to users (teachers, students, and technicians) in using older machines.
  • Structuring the obtained results to document the experience and make it reproducible in other academic departments.

As explained by ADEME, the production of new digital devices contributes to the depletion of mineral resources, emits CO2, generates waste, consumes water, and leads to soil and river pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to implement processes that maximize the lifespan of IT equipment used in educational activities.

  • Patrice Tissandier (PASSAGES)
- ACT, Université de Bordeaux

Understanding and communicating the environmental impacts of digital technology

Methodologies and models for understanding the environmental impacts of digitization and of AI A. Bugeau, G. Guennebaud This project aims to propose simulation models to better objectify the effects of large-scale and mid-term deployment of digital technologies.
Our work focuses on several applications, including the digitization of agriculture, the use of AI, the use of computing resources for research, and video streaming.

Despite a growing number of studies and reports, the environmental impacts of digital technology and digitization are still difficult to grasp and are the subject of various methodological controversies. Therefore, within the NeS team, one of the areas of research focuses on developing methodologies that are better suited to prospective assessment and decision-making.

We propose and study simulation models to better objectify and estimate the effects of scenarios of deployment of digital technologies at large-scale and over time. Such tools would enable to evaluate and compare different choices and assumptions in terms of both deployment levers (e.g., technological choices) and mode or intensity of use (resulting either from regulation or behavioral changes). Emphasis is placed on analyzing results based on absolute indicators rather than efficiency criteria.

The work covers several different applications: digitization of agriculture, different uses of AI, deployment of fixed and mobile network infrastructures, the use of computing or storage nodes by research laboratories, and video streaming.

  • Anne-Laure Ligozat (ENSIIE, LISN), Marceau Coupechoux (Telecom Paris), Anne-Cécile Orgerie (Inria), Françoise Berthoud (Gricad), David Benaben (Inrae)
  • Ecoinfo, Réseau Mésonet, GENCI, Labos1Point5, Shift Projet

Using digital technology to support the transition towards strong sustainability

Interactive modelling of the agricultural system to explore possibilities for 2050 O. Gauwin, G. Guennebaud This project aims to inform public and scientific debates on the development of transition scenarios for the agricultural sector. To this end, we propose to design, create, and test a visual and interactive computer model highlighting the complex cause-and-effect relationships between levers for action (parameters of the agricultural system) and assessment criteria such as impact on climate change, biodiversity, land use, production, etc.

Inrae & Bordeaux Science Agro, équipe "agronomie et modélisation à large échelle"

Reflective analysis of research, systemic analysis of projects, analysis of controversies

Systemic project analysis framework A. Bugeau, G. Gauwin, G. Guennebaud

This research area examines the processes leading to decisions on the development of solutions for building sustainable futures, and aims to propose approaches that contribute to public debate. In particular, we are developing a systemic analysis methodology, presented in the form of a questionnaire, which brings together all disciplines to provide a comprehensive and transparent overview of the benefits and risks of projects.

The approach under consideration takes into account, on the one hand, various criteria across three main phases of the project lifecycle: the upstream phase (from the conception of the idea to its practical implementation), the usage phase (i.e., the period of use), and finally the downstream phase, which can take various forms (e.g., second life, decommissioning, abandonment). Secondly, it takes into account three categories: democratic processes, social and economic effects, and environmental consequences, with the latter two drawing in part on the conceptual framework of the Doughnut Economy, which combines planetary boundaries and social floors.

The tool must serve to clarify and distinguish between facts and values in decision-making processes. It must enable us to examine: A) what needs to change in order to bring about a ‘sustainable’ future (dependent variables) and B) what explains the extent of change achieved in practice (or the lack thereof)? (independent variables). Generating relevant data on axis A, as well as on the degree to which the expected changes have (or have not) been achieved, involves measuring and anticipating socio-ecological vulnerabilities, assessing socio-ecological impacts, and developing economic feasibility models. Generating data to inform dimension B of the framework involves analysing the rationales for action, the arguments and acts of legitimisation, power relations, cultural representations, alliances and the interplay of actors that shape the direction of public action.

The tool is being designed and experimented for two types of projects:

  • Infrastructure projects with a significant environmental impact
  • Major research projects
Abécopol, Biogeco (Inrae)
- Grands défis en science de la durabilité, Université de Bordeaux

Reflective analysis of computer science research in the environmental context A. Bugeau The aim of this multidisciplinary research programme is to document the practices and role of computer science research in the face of environmental crises. It employs qualitative research methods and documentary analysis.

Undergoing projects:
  • understanding research practices in computer science, with a particular focus on their environmental and social impact
  • the role of digital technology in future scenarios

Anne-Laure Ligozat (ENSIIE, LISN), Lou Grimal (Institut des Arts & Métiers de Chambéry), Maxime Duviau (TREE, UPPA), Sophie Schbath (Inrae), Gaelle Deletraz (TREE, UPPA)

Transdisciplinary analysis of the controversies surrounding digitalisation and environmental issues A. Bugeau The aim of this multidisciplinary research programme is to help document the views of various stakeholders on the environmental impacts of digitalisation. It employs qualitative research methods and documentary analysis.

Several projects are undergoing:
  • analysis of the controversy between AI and the environment in the healthcare sector
  • discourse analysis and documentation of the benefits and risks associated with the establishment of data centres

Clément Marquet (CSI, Mines-PSL), Anne-Laure Ligozat (ENSIIE, LISN)

Teaching and support

visit the teaching page.

Past projects