It’s true that green jobs are America’s fastest growing industry, but consider the benefits of greening your current workplace: updating the way we use energy in the workplace will cut a company’s operating expenses. There is much to be gained from reducing the amount of energy computers and other electronics require. Upgrading your office’s entire computer system to energy-efficient models certainly an alternative, but it is usually an unnecessary and in the end, a wasteful choice. Instead, update as many machines as possible, then recycle any unusable electronics. Then you can bring in the new energy saving models without breaking the bank. Searching for more efficient ways to power and cool the electronics in your office and data centers not only saves money on energy bills, it frees up more floor space. Improving company standards and adding “Green” equipment and practices can go a long way to protect resources and improving company image as well. In the competitive IT industry setting your self apart can mean the difference between success and failure. Appealing to consumers by marketing as an eco-friendly company is an exciting new trend that is changing the companies view their bottom line.Finally, coming up with innovations to enhance efficiency in consumer products will reduce carbon emissions on a larger scale.

Everybody who’s anybody is doing it: last year Google revealed that in a year’s time, the company (including its servers around the world and its office) used over two billion kilowatt hours of power. This, along with acknowledging the emission of 1.46 million metric tons of CO2 was Google’s way of kicking off its own green program, which posts energy consumption information and emissions in a section entitled “The Big Picture.” Since then Google has invested mightily in clean solar and wind power to provide energy not only to its own facilities, but to nearby homes and offices as well. While this is an admirable business strategy, Google’s are some big shoes to fill. What are some more practical tactics?

There is no quick and easy answer, as every company is different, but assessing your company’s carbon footprint is a good start. How much energy do you use, how much waste do you produce, and how could you reduce these figures? In his 2007 report for Gartner, “Green IT: The New Industry Shockwave,” Simon Mingay suggested that a company should conduct An analysis of, and detailed plan to improve the energy efficiency of, all IT and supporting infrastructure (for example, air conditioning and power), including the data center, servers, networks, client devices and printing.” In addition, Mingay discusses the effectiveness of amending company waste disposal practices to include recycling both consumer waste and electronic waste; the importance of architectural and landscaping practices; and close scrutiny of suppliers’ environmental impact. He states, “Most IT organizations understand the issues surrounding energy efficiency, but are less clear about those associated with material efficiency. Material efficiency is important because material resources cost money and are finite. As such, they need careful stewardship.” Implementing these practices can reach far beyond your own company’s bottom line or its carbon footprint. If green practices move down the supply chain, goods and services can become more efficient in tandem with IT.

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Category: Advice
Keywords: Technology, Computer, Job, Career, Advice, Green