Going green saves cash and the environment says report
RISING energy prices and tightening regulations have forced the green agenda into the boardroom as companies look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
The change in attitude is one of the findings from new research by business advisory firm Deloitte, which highlights the fact that companies are using green IT strategies to reduce energy use and cut carbon emissions.
The survey showed that 67% of companies questioned had an IT program in place to monitor environmental performance.
Andrew Winters, head of technology risk at Deloitte in Leeds said: “The energy consumption of IT equipment and data centre facilities has not historically been of primary concern for directors but this discussion is particularly relevant now as businesses will need to respond to likely regulatory changes in the near future.”
He added: “As a major consumer of electricity and producer of waste electronics the IT department should be one of the first business functions to be scrutinised and made to improve its efficiency. Progressive organisations will recognise the opportunity to gain the advantage through cost reduction and service improvement.”
Some innovative examples of green IT strategies include Intel taking the heat its servers produce and redirecting it to warm the cafeteria water supply and HSBC incorporating environmental standards into procurement criteria to ensure the equipment is energy efficient.
“In the UK, legislation in the form of the Carbon Reduction Commitment is coming that will legally oblige some companies to establish them,” said Mr Winters.
“These strategies should include understanding of the cost of carbon and where to best deploy resources to reduce carbon outputs, facilitating compliance with regulations, managing risk by reporting accurately on sustainability initiatives to avoid penalties, making the company more attractive as a place of employment for environmentally sensitive employees, improving supply chain performance and better managing energy consumption.”
He continued: “Pending regulations will link environmental and social standards to economic and financial performance, making them priorities for businesses.”
