4.3 Green IT

Question 1

What is Green IT?

Answer 1

Use Computers and IT resources in an efficient and environmentally responsible way to reduce an organisations carbon footprint

Question 2

What does “To Reduce carbon footprint” mean?

Answer 2

To decrease the amount of pollution produced by an organisation and to engage in more eco-friendly practice

Question 3

Examples of Green IT Practice

Answer 3

Turn off computers, monitors when not in use

Use cloud storage or virtualisation to reduce the number of physical devices being bought and powered

Printing only what is required if it’s necessary to print a document

Adjust power options

Repair older devices

Recycle ink cartridges and paper. Donate older equipment to charities or schools for reuse

Question 4

Why use Green IT? (Organisation related)

Answer 4

Become more sustainable by reducing carbon footprint and positively impacting the environment

Reducing energy costs and saving money

Improving the public image of the company, people are becoming environmentally conscious so they will prefer a company who’s eco-friendly

Question 5

Global requirements of Green IT

What did the “Greening Government ICT strategy” report on how IT use could become more greener and what are the positive consequences?

Answer 5

Using more cloud storage technology - reducing emissions for purchasing individual storage devices

Using social media more widely to contact voters - saves money by posting fewer leaflets

Increasing the use of teleconference and video calls - reduces the need for unnecessary travel to meetings avoiding heavy pollution