[MA 2025 01] The Carbon Footprint of Data in Healthcare
M&I/Partners (consultancy firm) and Amphia Hospital Breda
Proposed by: Daily supervisor (M&I/Partners) [Stijn.van.duinhoven@mxi.nl]
Introduction
What do sustainability and ICT have to do with each other? A lot! The ICT sector is just as polluting as the aviation sector. Despite this, sustainability often receives little attention within the ICT sector. In healthcare, the increasing use of data, including the rise of AI, cloud storage, and data sharing, significantly impacts sustainability. However, the focus on data's environmental impact is often overlooked.
During this graduation internship, you will research the CO2 footprint of data within hospitals. You will explore how data impacts sustainability, from data storage to the growth of AI in healthcare. Together, we will develop a method to measure the CO2 footprint of a hospital, applying it to Amphia Hospital in Breda. Your goal will be to measure the CO2 footprint of data and find ways to reduce it.
Description of the SRP Project
This special graduation internship offers supervision from ICT advisors at M&I/Partners (an IT consultancy firm in healthcare and government) and employees of Amphia Hospital (Breda). This unique opportunity allows you to experience both the hospital and consultancy environments. Our proposed approach includes:
1. Conducting literature research and expert interviews to develop a method for measuring the CO2 footprint of data.
2. Interviewing stakeholders to identify elements of sustainability within the data domain at Amphia Hospital.
3. Performing data analysis and additional interviews for quantitative and qualitative measurement of the CO2 footprint of data at Amphia.
4. Organizing focus groups to identify sustainable choices and options for improving sustainability.
Research questions
Main question: How can we measure the total CO2 footprint of data within hospitals?
Sub questions:
1. What are the elements of sustainability within the data domain?
2. How can the impact on sustainability of these elements be measured?
3. Use case: What is the CO2 footprint of data within the Amphia Hospital?
4. What sustainable choices and options can be identified for improving sustainability in the data domain at hospitals?
Expected results
A method to measure the CO2 footprint of data for hospitals, including use case results at the Amphia Hospital in Breda.
Time period
May 2025 - November 2025
Contact
daily supervisor (M&I/Partners): Stijn.van.duinhoven@mxi.nl
---
Graduating at M&I/Partners
Would you like to:
Graduate from a top consultancy firm for management and ICT in the public sector?
Complete from a leading clinical hospital?
Work on a project that contributes to making the healthcare sector more sustainable?
Engage with a variety of professionals to develop the best possible end product?
Conduct a data-driven analysis to determine the carbon footprint of Amphia Hospital?
Graduating from M&I/Partners means working on challenging, innovative assignments. M&I/Partners consists of 100 passionate and experienced professionals who, despite their busy schedules, are always willing to assist. We ensure that you are integrated into our team and offer excellent guidance. You will be linked with an expert with years of experience and receive support throughout the graduation process. This includes a competitive internship allowance, a laptop, and a workplace with delicious coffee and fresh fruit in the surroundings of Zeist.