*4.2. Qualitative Research*

In order to gain deeper understanding of the response to the project, and to find out whether the methods employed were successful or needed to be adjusted or revised, a more extensive survey was also undertaken. As stated above, DCI representatives were affected by the pandemic and although 12 candidates responded to interview requests and were invited to participate in the research activity, two then said they were unable to do so due to a high volume of work and one candidate had to withdraw at the last minute for personal reasons, so there were 9 participants. This response rate, and the results, are regarded as acceptable for the nature of the study.

Nine professionals associated with the data centre and digital technology sectors participated in semi-structured interviews, with 10 open questions, which lasted between 30 and 60 min. All interviews were conducted online using video/audio software and recorded; every recording was transcribed, then analysed, using specialist software, which enabled identification of particular themes and sub-themes; the results were also crossreferenced to identify trends in expertise, attitudes, and behaviours and to assess the success and impact of the CEDaCI project model and methods to date.

All nine participants hold senior positions within their organisations, as shown in Table 5, and include: 3 sustainability leads/managers in a refurbishing company (B), an assets disposition company (E), and a national non-profit organisation (C); a Circular Economy manager for a corporate IT producer (A); an associate director for climate, environment, and sustainability in a digital technology trade association (I); a vice president of a foundation for open source hardware and data centre design (G); an ambassador for a non-profit global ICT producer (D); expert in electrical and electronics materials (F); and a technical director of a data centre consultancy (H).


**Table 5.** Participants in CEDaCI Qualitative study –roles and employment.
