Digital Cleanup Week 2025

© Uni Münster

March 16-20, 2026

As part of Digital Cleanup Day 2026 on March 21, we're decluttering our digital space. A tidy digital environment does not just save energy and reduce emissions – it also boosts productivity and contributes to a more enjoyable work environment. We're inviting all staff and students to get involved and are hosting supporting events. Take part in the digital cleanup drive!

 

Why digital cleanup?

  • Saves energy and reduces the carbon footprint
  • Frees up storage and server space
  • Prolongs the lifespan of devices
  • Minimizes data storage security risks
  • Streamlines workflow and makes it easier to share and find information

  • What can I do?

    We all know our digital workspace best. Therefore, identify where you want to start cleaning up. Here are some tips to help you structure your personal Digital Cleanup Week:

    Day 1: Organize your email inbox. Identify and delete unnecessary emails.
    To understand the current size of your inbox before cleaning: Open Outlook and click on “File”, select “Tools” to display storage information, note the amount of storage space currently in use to measure the effects of your cleanup efforts Tip: Don't forget to empty the "Trash" folder afterwards.

    Day 2: Reduce your used storage space on Sciebo. The university cloud Sciebo is designed for easy and secure file sharing. Often, files remain stored there for too long - even if they're no longer needed. Identify these files and free up storage capacity! Tip: Useful information on data backup is available in an e-learning course offered by the CIT for employees.

    Day 3: Sort and archive files on the network drive. Delete unnecessary files, such as old versions, duplicates, etc.  Remove redundant downloads that are already stored elsewhere in your system.

    Day 4: Are you already using a password manager tool? Set up password management instead of storing them in unsecured notes and emails. Tip: For employees, the CIT offers an e-learning course on secure password management.

    Day 5: Establish new routines and schedule regular digital cleanups. Find more tips and tricks below!

  • What to consider when deleting data?

    When deleting and archiving data in the public sector, specific guidelines apply. For information on retaining, archiving, and destroying documents, refer to §15, Geschäftsordnung.

    Since May 2020, all researchers at the University of Münster have had access to the datasafe service. datasafe allows research data generated in research projects involving our institution to be archived simply, securely, and free of charge on University of Münster servers for ten years. More information can be found here.

  • Events during the Action Week

    Monday, March 16, 2026
    12:00 - 12:30 PM, Sustainable digitalization & digital sovereignty

    Dr. Anne Mollen, Department of Communications
    Link to video conference
    Without digital sovereignty, there can be no sustainable digitalization. Large technology companies do not view sustainability as a path toward a socially, economically, and ecologically just future for all—but primarily as a new business field for their data-driven products. Initiatives such as open source software, the digital commons, and decentralized platforms like the Fediverse demonstrate that sustainable digitalization is only possible when it is built on digital sovereignty.

    Tuesday, March 17, 2026
    10:00 AM, Tour of the Data Center (german)

    Julian Jeggle, CIT Department 6 - Systems
    Registration required, only for employees!
    The Systems department of the CIT operates server and storage systems, including server rooms, as the central infrastructure of the University of Münster. During the tour, you'll get an insight into where our data is stored and processed, and what energy expenditure arises from the use and operation of this infrastructure.

    12:00 - 12:30 PM, Mindsnack Data Protection

    Nina Meyer-Pachur and Sophie-Charlotte Rydzik, Data Protection Office
    Internal link to video conference
    In this Mindsnack, the colleagues from the Data Protection Office will explain why a digital cleanup is also relevant to data protection. They'll discuss questions such as which data can be deleted (or must be deleted) and when they should be deleted. In addition to the theoretical background, practical tips for everyday office life will be provided.

    Wednesday, March 18, 2026
    12:00-1:00 PM, For greater digital self‑determination: co‑shaping teaching in a technopolitical way

    Nate Wessalowski, Department of Communications
    Link to video conference
     

    Thursday, March 19, 2026
    10:00 AM, Tour of the Data Center (english)

    Elio Balestrieri, CIT Department 6 - Systems
    Registration required, only for employees!
    The Systems department of the CIT operates server and storage systems, including server rooms, as the central infrastructure of the University of Münster. During the tour, you'll get an insight into where our data is stored and processed, and what energy expenditure arises from the use and operation of this infrastructure.

    12:00 - 12:30 PM,  AI-supported energy management at the University of Münster

    Dr. Oliver Kamps, Center for Data Science and Complexity
    Link to video conference
    The Center for Data Science and Complexity (CDSC) is implementing, together with the university’s Energy Management unit and the Sustainability Office, a project for AI‑supported energy management. The University of Münster, with its exceptionally extensive energy‑ and operational‑data repository, serves as an ideal real‑world laboratory, where a digital twin is being created that enables automated anomaly detection, predictive modelling, and weather‑adaptive operational optimisation. The presented project aims to develop an integrated, AI‑based energy‑management system that resource‑efficiently optimises the operation of a heterogeneous building portfolio.

    Friday, March 20, 2026
    12:00-1:00 PM, Sustainability and digital transformation

    Nico Schäfer, Leader Sustainability Office
    Link to video conference
    Digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) are playing an increasingly important role in our professional lives and everyday routines. Both offer opportunities to become more sustainable, but also pose risks to people and the environment that must be carefully taken into account. In a short introductory talk these issues will be examined, followed by a discussion.

    Afterwards, we will conclude the action week with a virtual check-out, providing an opportunity for exchange and feedback on the Digital Cleanup Week 2026.