GOING GREEN: HOW GREEN COMPUTING/GREEN IT HAS BECOME THE ORDER OF THE DAY

The exponential growth of the IT industry brought with it new inventions and need for infrastructure, which resulted in improper use of resources and manufacture of environment unfriendly products. It was as if the entire IT/ITES communities ignored the impact on the environment while they were busy ideating and creating newer versions of the same gadgets, and using resources like paper, water, plastic and electricity, without so much as giving a second thought to the environment.

Once Al Gore started awakening the superpowers to the damage that was taking place to the environment on a global scale, many stood up and took notice. Not only did individuals start being environmentally conscious, businesses began ‘caring’ for the environment too. Soon, with other celebrities hopping on to the bandwagon and showing the error of our ways, big companies joined the initiative to ‘go green’, thus leading the way for other businesses. Finally the IT industry realized that it too could do its bit and began to become environmentally conscious. The result? Green Computing — or Green IT to some — is touted to be one of the foremost trends this year.

I, for one, am really glad that we all are going green. Wipro follows green computing too — like e-waste collection and chemical management — and to belong to such an environment just makes me, well, happy!

What is Green IT anyway? I mean, we all are doing our bit for the environment, right? Well, Green IT is the organization’s way of going green. There are many definitions/explanations that you will find on the Internet.

Here’s an accurate one found on Wikipedia: The study and practice of design, manufacture, use, and disposal of computers, servers, and associated subsystems—such as monitors, printers, storage devices, and networking and communications systems—efficiently and effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment (Source: Wikipedia.org).  Green IT also strives to achieve economic viability and improved system performance and use, while abiding by our social and ethical responsibilities. Thus, Green IT includes the dimensions of environmental sustainability, the economics of energy efficiency, and the total cost of ownership, which includes the cost of disposal & recycling. It is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently.

Too much of information? Simply put, it is the practice of using computing resources more efficiently while maintaining or increasing overall performance. The goal is to reduce the usage of hazardous materials, maximize energy efficiency, and promote recyclability or biodegradability of defunct products and factory waste.

Easier said than done, for a company to go green overnight. Instead of looking at items in a company as a single unit, companies will have to take a step back and view Green IT in a big picture. For example, while building up infrastructure the owners will have to think of building a ‘green building’: where you have one side of the building made up of glass instead of brick and mortar, or a building where there is natural ventilation and lighting. Resources like electricity, paper and water should be reduced considerably. Buying of ‘green computers’ will save electricity and cause the environment less damage, virtualization of documents reduces the use of paper, buying new services: hardware and software that increase efficiency saves time and money, recognizing areas that take up a lot of electricity and addressing those areas also reduce cost.

We, as employees/employers can do our bit, too. Here are a few ways (which I found in various websites):

1. Switch your computer off when you’re not using it, especially during the night and if you will be out for the day.

2. Print wisely – only print when you really need to have a hard copy and resist the urge to print ‘all pages’ when you only need what is on one particular page.

3. Use a Google alternative, such as Smallest Google, that saves energy, time, and bandwidth.

4. Buy a laptop. Laptops use less power than a desktop.

5. Choose corded keyboard and mouse over wireless.

6. Advanced users can remove unnecessary fans and drives. If you have a spare CD-ROM, use it once in a while and then unplug it.

But wait, green computing doesn’t come cheap. Did you know that these energy efficient software and hardware upgrades cost a bomb? Many companies, especially small and medium sized companies think twice as they try to balance their desire to go green and their financial resources. But then again, looking at it from a different angle, by saving money, these companies are saving the environment anyway. Also big companies use a lot of manpower and energy. To reduce the consumption of power will bring about a reduction in the productivity of the company. Analysts, though, predict that the recession will spur companies to look at technologies and energy-models that will use little power and save energy. This, I guess is one big plus.

Being a tree-hugger myself, I hope that Green IT is here to stay and we start right now in any which way possible. We will also have to educate those around us about green computing if they are not already aware. And remember, in everything that you do, Go Green!