When it comes to energy, growing concern for the environment and climate change is fuelling a more engaged public. There is a global groundswell which is compelling businesses and consumers to consider the effect that our modern way of life has on the environment in which we live. As the planet heats up, so do regulatory mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Much of the opportunity to address carbon emissions rests on the entire business infrastructure, not just the data centre. This has compelled companies to look for new approaches to managing carbon effectively from sourcing and production, to distribution and product afterlife. The tradeoffs are no longer just about cost, service and quality — but cost, service, quality and carbon. By incorporating carbon reduction into their overall corporate strategy and supply chain, companies can help reduce their environmental emissions footprint, reduce energy costs, strengthen their brand image and develop competitive advantage. The information technology (IT) industry contributes the same amount of global green house gas emissions as the entire airline industry does.
The era of relatively inexpensive energy is over, yet the amount of energy powering the world's IT operations continues to grow. An already strained power supply infrastructure creates issues for governments around the world. As stewards of the environment, many have begun to evaluate, legislate and enforce national and local initiatives that impact energy usage and environmental challenges. The focus on green IT has therefore moved beyond, but still includes energy efficiencies. There are sound business and economic reasons for companies to look at a comprehensive carbonmanagement strategy that can build a base for sustaining growth enabling companies to maintain competitive differentiation.
The IT message is centralise, consolidate, virtualise and optimise. IT is such an intrinsic part of business operations today that if energy is in short supply or unavailable it will directly affect a company's growth and expansion. Carbon emissions are therefore directly linked to economic growth. A more responsible approach to development should be adopted which limits the carbon footprint and provides for the most efficient use of available resources. CIO's are constantly being asked to do more with less. By focusing on energy efficiency and making use of advances in technology, significant costs savings can be realised. The growing strength of the 'green movement', and the resistance by consumers to purchase from companies who do not have policies in place for protecting the environment are forcing businesses to adopt comprehensive carbonmanagement strategies. Companies that implement such strategies are more likely to maintain their competitive edge, while protecting and strengthening their brand image and reputation in the marketplace.
The good news is that green technology has become a priority for a growing number of IT companies. Chip fabrics and hightech corporate parks are making use of electricity from photovoltaic cells, hydrogen fuel cells and biogas generation projects. The potential is there for the IT industry to make a significant difference in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
The convergence of ICT technologies and the ability to use this to innovate the way businesses operate is one way organisations can utilise technology to improve operational efficiencies. Looking at innovative approaches for business operations using technology will facilitate the collapsing of the value and supply chains thus reducing the energy usage and carbon footprint. Increasing environmental awareness and promoting efficient, sustainable resource use is a big part of the equation if efforts to conserve natural resources and minimise environmental degradation are to have any chance of succeeding.