Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Carbon Footprint and Green IT Practices


The need to become better stewards of the natural resources for its future preservation is not only a popular decision, but a smart one. Indeed, the concept of carbon footprint has now spread onto various industries whether it be in the transportation, communication, and business industry. One that is experiencing a strong surge as of late is green computing, or more commonly referred to as green IT. If you are part of this sector, you might want to learn more about how you can do your part.

Popularity of Green IT

IT or information technology is characterized by the advancement of technology and continued innovation. Their main purpose is basically make lives of everyone much easier and more efficient. But how would you like it if you can achieve the same purpose and save the earth's resources at the same time?

This is the reason behind the rapidly escalating practice of green IT across the business industry. It has resulted to several breakthroughs in the field of technology that is also recognized for its contribution to environmental preservation. But the biggest factor that draws attention to the concept of green IT is the ability to maintain the life and health of the world that humans inhabit.

What is Green IT?

To fully understand the essence and popularity of green IT and its impact in the carbon footprint concept, it is important to examine it closely. Do not be put off by the term “green IT” as it is nowhere near as complicated as it sounds. The basic ideal can be summarized in a few words – environmentally sustainable computing approach.

People who are employed in the IT industry are always seeking out new ways to develop systems and computers that can be recycled and renewed. All of these are crucial components in an effort to reduce carbon footprint through one's practice. As for green IT, the idea is to produce computers or systems that have increased longevity and can be easily upgraded to keep up with new technology.

It therefore addresses a common concern in the IT industry wherein most people often dispose off their old computers to buy a new one. This is both a waste of energy and money.

Benefits of Reducing Carbon Footprint in the Business World

It was not until recently when the business world caught on to the benefits of the carbon footprint concept. Business organizations have always tried to maintain a good reputation and getting involved in green IT practices and the fight for reducing carbon footprint is one of the ways to achieve that. On the part of the business, it also does them a lot of good since they can save valuable resources and look good to customers, especially those eco-conscious ones.

How To Start Practicing Green IT

Since the carbon footprint concept was launched, several trends have been initiated and keeping up with them is undeniably difficult. For businesses who are new to green IT practices, you can research for names of experts about this field that you can speak to and gain more insight into what you could possibly do in your business to join the bandwagon. But even if you do not partake in a large-scale campaign to reduce carbon footprint, simple measures such as opting for materials that can be recycled and saving on energy usage is the least you can do for the advocacy.


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