What exactly is Green IT?

Posted: Jun 29, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Relative to the current climate change situation, an innovative term in the IT industry is quickly gaining popularity amongst both individuals and large corporations alike. The buzz word that is spreading so fast is ‘Green IT' or ‘Green Computing' as it is sometimes referred to.

Generally speaking, ‘Green IT' simply refers to efficient and sustainable use of computing resources. It aims to do just that by boosting energy efficiency during a product's lifetime, as well as by promoting the recyclability or biodegradability of inoperable products and e-waste. The aim is to make the use of computers as energy-efficient as possible, and designing algorithms and systems for efficiency-related computer technologies. It seeks to minimise environmental impact by reducing energy usage, in turn reducing carbon dioxide emissions, as well as your energy bill!

The ‘Green IT' movement is believed to have originated in 1992, when the US Environmental Protection Agency first launched Energy Star; a label awarded to computing products that succeeded in minimising energy usage. Since then, it has taken off and been put into utilisation by numerous companies worldwide with the first step towards a more sustainable use of computers being the adoption of sleep mode (stand by) among consumer electronics.

Today, there are many options available to those looking to go ‘green', including:

  • Purchasing flat-screen (LCD) monitors—they use significantly less energy and are not as hard on your eyes as CRTs.
  • Plugging your computer into a surge protector with a master control outlet; this automatically senses when the computer is not in use and cuts power to it and all your peripherals.
  • Enabling the standby/sleep mode and power management settings on your computer.
  • Reviewing document drafts and e-mails onscreen instead of printing them out.
  • Considering an ink-jet printer—although a bit slower than laser printers, inkjets use 80 to 90 percent less energy.
  • Networking and sharing printers where possible.
  • Using double-sided printing functions.
  • E-mailing communications as an alternative to paper memos and fax documents.

Green IT reaps numerous benefits in the way that by putting it to use one is not only helping the environment, but employing numerous benefits for themselves or their company at the same time. For example, one notable advantage of Green IT is that by reducing overall IT power consumption, one is able to cut unnecessary costs which would otherwise go to waste. An environmental benefit is that reducing paper use and reusing printer cartridges can ultimately go a long way towards reducing the amount of solid waste that ultimately ends up in a landfill. A reputation benefit that may also be important to add, is that by becoming sustainable one can also gain customer support and loyalty as a form of appreciation for their environmentally conscious actions.

All in all, it is evident that Green IT provides a plethora of benefits, is easy to execute and its goal is simple; utilise IT's full potential as a powerful communication tool, whilst reducing emissions and costs in the process.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/what-exactly-is-green-it-2745745.html

    Article Tags:

    computer

    ,

    green it

    For those of you who have implemented cloud computing technologies, how much did the estimated energy savings impact the decision to do so? Are you interested in knowing how you can calculate energy savings?

    By: Rick Blaisdelll Computers> Information Technologyl Apr 12, 2011

    Being environmentally friendly and understanding your carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important to companies as in today's business environment more emphasis is put on companies to be greener by both local and national governments. Environmentally friendly businesses are also becoming the companies of choice for both consumers and businesses that look for companies aware of their surroundings and who understand their obligations to the environment.

    By: Sarah Wainl Computers> Securityl Mar 25, 2011

    Green PC Services by iYogi provides ways to make your computer Green, Energy Efficient Computer, Energy Star Computer, Green Desktop Computer, Green Laptop, Green Monitors, and Green Computing to Save Energy and Environment.

    By: James Johnl Computersl Nov 06, 2007 lViews: 580

    Green computing is the technology where organizations adopt environmentally responsible use of computers and other related resources like central processing units (CPUs), servers and peripherals. The article here discusses about the adoption and benefits of Green Computing.

    By: Vinodl Businessl Dec 01, 2009
    Bob Walker

    Green Antivirus 2009 is a sleek, professional looking rogue spyware scanner that tempts it's users to 'upgrade for full real-time protection' for a fee. The reality is that Green AV is a big, stinky scam. It's hoping that in fear, you make the mistake of purchasing the full-version. All you will get if you do is more spyware and security holes, making your computer a hotbed for viruses. So let's remove Green Antivirus before it does you any serious damage!

    By: Bob Walkerl Computers> Securityl Aug 30, 2009 lViews: 1,189
    Bob Walker

    Green Antivirus 2009 is a sleek, professional looking rogue spyware scanner that tempts it's users to 'upgrade for full real-time protection' for a fee. The reality is that Green AV is a big, stinky scam. It's hoping that in fear, you make the mistake of purchasing the full-version. All you will get if you do is more spyware and security holes, making your computer a hotbed for viruses. So let's remove Green Antivirus before it does you any serious damage!

    By: Bob Walkerl Computers> Securityl Feb 04, 2010

    An in depth look at the new MMORPG from Blizzard Entertainment known as Diablo III, a long awaited release for Diablo fans.

    By: swtorman90l Computersl Jun 01, 2012

    Most small businesses take advantage of computer technology, and it certainly can make things a lot easier for everyone within the business when you do so properly. Unfortunately, there are also a number of different problems that can occur as a result of the technology that you are using.

    By: Jesus Mattsonl Computersl May 31, 2012
    Steve Crown

    Copying ipod to computer is easy. For more information on how read this article.

    By: Steve Crownl Computersl May 28, 2012

    Online training software has found its place in almost all the offices and organizations. It can be used to train employees over the net

    By: Yaxley Halel Computersl May 28, 2012

    According to leading research carried out by Gartner, the number of PCs distributed throughout the first quarter of 2012 went up by 1.9% which was better than analysts predicted.

    By: Daniel Kiddl Computersl May 28, 2012
    Cosima Olivi

    Cloud computing is a form of technology that uses the Internet as well as central remote servers to maintain data and applications. In simpler terms, cloud computing is more or less a term denoted to virtual servers available over the Internet. By allowing consumers and businesses to use applications without installation, and access their personal files from any computer or browser supporting device with internet access.

    By: Cosima Olivil Computers> Information Technologyl Jul 06, 2010

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast