Cutting Carbon and Costs with Green Computing
The perception of Green initiatives, once considered “feel good” activities suitable for the occasional press release, have markedly transformed in recent months. Now, organizations are keen to implement Green IT initiatives across the enterprise as going Green is both environmentally responsible and, more importantly, fiscally responsible. Green IT efficiently utilizes computing resources meaning not only a reduced carbon footprint based on a reduction of energy requirements but also a decrease in total energy usage. With the skyrocketing prices of energy, Green IT is a no-brainer for many organizations.
Recently, on Forbes.com, Bob Worrall, CIO of Sun Microsystems, contributed an article analyzing the ROI of a Green data center. In the article, he outlined simple techniques to overhaul the data center whilst avoiding a complete redesign and reengineering project. Using techniques like resource virtualization and the replacement of aging server racks, Sun Microsystems was able to save $1 million annually on utility costs alone! Needless to say, the carbon savings of the server overhaul are on par with the ROI of the project.
While Green IT initiatives should not just be considered as a way to improve the bottom line, I find it encouraging witnessing Green IT as a cost driver. Surely, as the cost savings of Green IT become increasingly prominent, interest and investment in new, Green technologies will occur. In fact, this has been demonstrated over the past few months as interest in cloud computing has boomed (or thundered?). Just today, AT&T has announced its entrance into the cloud computing space joining Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon.
Cloud computing removes the burden for organizations to build and maintain servers and other IT infrastructure and purchase IT related capabilities as a service. Not only does cloud computing reduce IT costs, the practice is Green as fewer resources are used for computing.
As Green IT slowly touches every part of an organization’s technology infrastructure, the value derived from environmental technology certainly outweigh its cost. In the end, Green IT produces a positive ROI for organizations and the Environment.
For more information on the cost savings of Green IT, check out this article in BusinessWeek about Indian companies, facing increased utilities bills, going Green as a means to reduce costs.
Comments
There is so much e-waste generated nowadays. The e-waste infact is much more than the normal domestic waste. Thus, this problem has to be sorted out before cheaper computers are released because more people will buy computers and the amount of e-waste in the world will increase drastically
Posted by: Adithya | August 28, 2008 02:09 PM
The solar powered houses and Green building which uses sunlight and other energy saving features should be made mandatory for all apartments and industrial complexes.
Posted by: Indiainfraguru | October 30, 2008 07:17 AM