| Home | 1. Introduction | 2. History | 3. Methodologies and Benefits | 4. Barriers to Implementation | 6. References |
Despite the barriers, green computing is gradually becoming more popular. In most commercial endeavors, consumers are increasing the demand for eco-friendly products. There is a vast amount of computer equipment manufactured worldwide. This, coupled with the widespread use of information technology has had a direct impact on the environment. The goal of green computing is to reduce the negative impact of computer resources on our natural resources.
To accomplish this, companies that implement green computing purchase and deploy information technology equipment that is manufactured with environmentally-friendly chemicals and materials. They deploy computer equipment that uses less energy, and they utilize processes to positively manage energy consumption. Companies are moving to various methods of virtualization that require less computer resources to accomplish the same tasks. They attempt to recycle or re-purpose obsolete computer equipment, or to dispose of the equipment in an ecologically-sensitive manner when the equipment cannot be recycle. These companies also encourage their employees to adopt habits and practices that help to reduce the organization’s environmental footprint.
Organizations that have adopted green computing methods demonstrate how Green IT can reduce costs in a company, and increase the profit margin. Additionally, if a company demonstrates corporate responsibility and is perceived by the public as being environmentally responsible, this can attract more customers and increase revenue.
“Sustainability, corporate responsibility, and greening business practices have jumped from social movement to business imperative. Green IT is a dynamic, strategic, and ethical framework of practice for all IT. Green IT is about doing what it takes to be innovative, agile, efficient, responsive, profitable and responsible all at the same time” (Baroudi, Hill and Reinhold, 2009).