Client story Carbon-Friendly Learning: How Walthamstow School for Girls is Leading the Way
By Insight Editor / 14 Jan 2024 / Topics: Modern workplace Devices
Client industry:
Education
Story snapshot:
Walthamstow School for Girls operated 500+ desktop devices that were over seven years old and running on Windows 10. With support for the operating system expiring in 2025, the school needed to refresh its device inventory in a sustainable and cost-effective way.
- 500+ desktop devices needed to be upgraded.
- The school required a solution that reduced power consumption.
Results:
- 66% energy reduction
By deploying DM devices, Insight reduced power consumption by two-thirds.- 500+ devices
The school needed to upgrade a large estate before Windows 10 support ended in 2025.- Sustainable
The Brighter Futures Trade-in Programme ensured all devices were reused where possible.- Cost-savings
Enabled funds to be released back into the school to further enhance its students’ learning.
Background
Walthamstow School for Girls educates 900 students across Walthamstow, London.The school was looking to undertake a device refresh programme which would use new technology to enhance the learning experience of its students and align with its sustainability objectives.
As a result, the school engaged with Insight to find a solution that would not only enable it to enhance students’ learning, but also help reduce its power consumption.
Challenge
Walthamstow School for Girls faced a major challenge, with support for its 500+ Windows 10-enabled devices due to end in 2025. From a security perspective, it would no longer receive vital updates or bug fixes for the operating system, which would leave it vulnerable to cyberattacks.
In addition, the school would experience problems using new software and hardware. This had the potential to disrupt lessons and have a negative impact on students’ learning.
Another challenge was power consumption. The legacy devices, of which many were over seven years old, were inefficient and contributed significantly to the school’s overall electricity bill.
“We have an established relationship with Insight and have always found them to be innovative with their solutions, eager to work through proof-of-concept solutions, quick to respond to our questions and willing to accommodate the needs of our school.”
“It was important for us that the technology made learning more engaging and interactive, as well as support a reduction in our carbon footprint and costs. Insight helped us tick every box.”
— Ashesh Ramlagan, IT Manager, Walthamstow School for Girls
Solution and Outcome
The school previously used Small Form Factor (SFF) devices. Insight analysed their performance against a Desktop Mini (DM), in an education environment, and found only a 4% performance discrepancy. As DMs draw 66% less power, and use less desk space, it was agreed that these devices would be deployed in the upgrade.
As a result of the new technology, the school received numerous benefits:
Improved teaching and learning: Using the latest technology, students and teachers are able to access new tools and resources in their classroom helping them to engage, interact and improve their overall learning experience. They have also experienced improved working speeds, leading togreater productivity.
Reduced costs: By selecting a different brand and form factor, it reduced energy consumption – and consequently costs – by two-thirds.
Technology rewards: By purchasing the devices through the Brighter Futures Trade-In Programme, the school received cash back on its old devices. This maximised its budget and released funds back into the school.
Sustainable recycling: The trade-in programme also enabled the school to securely recycle old devices. Without this service, it would have had to allocate internal resources and funds to ensure computers were wiped of all data and disposed of responsibly.
Why Insight?
As a leading Solutions Integrator, Insight has extensive knowledge of modern infrastructure solutions that enables education institutions to deploy the best technology to inspire learning, support teachers and improve school efficiency.
Walthamstow School for Girls engaged Insight to support with its refresh project as the Solutions Integrator which offered the best price and service level. Demonstrating exceptional knowledge of different form factor solutions, Insight was able to quickly identify ways to support the school in reducing its power consumption and electricity costs.
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