The Essential Green in IT
In a recent Green IT Report by Symantec Corp., a follow-up to its Green Data Center report released in 2007, senior-level IT executives report significant interest in green IT strategies and solutions, attributing their interest to cost reductions and environmental responsibility. (Editor's note: Be sure to read our "Going Green in IT," the top story in our July digital edition.
Symantec's data points to a shift from simply implementing "green" technologies primarily for cost-reduction purposes, to a more balanced awareness of improving the organization's environmental standing.
Ninety-seven percent of respondents said they are at least discussing a green IT strategy, while 45 percent have implemented green IT initiatives. CIOs are increasingly justifying green IT solutions by more than cost and IT efficiency benefits. Respondents cited things such as reducing electricity consumption (90 percent), reducing cooling costs (87 percent), and corporate pressure to be "green" (86 percent). Furthermore, 83 percent of respondents are now responsible or cross-charged for the electricity consumed in the data center -- bringing visibility and accountability to bear on the ultimate consumer of these resources.
"Over the past 12 months, IT has emerged as a new force in implementing green initiatives -- not only for energy savings benefits, but also as a result of widespread desire to implement environmentally responsible practices," said Jose Iglesias, vice president of global solutions at Symantec. "The pendulum has swung both ways and IT is now taking a balanced approach that is more integral to an organization's ‘green' strategy, proven by the fact that the vast majority of respondents are now responsible for the energy costs of their data center."
Senior IT executives report a significant increase in green IT budgets. Seventy-three percent expect an increase in green IT budgets over the next 12 months, while 19 percent expect increases of more than 10 percent. The typical respondent reported spending $21 to $27 million on data center electricity.
At the same time, IT is willing to pay a premium for energy-efficient products. Two-thirds of respondents said they would pay at least 10 percent more, while 41 percent are willing to pay at least 20 percent more. Additionally, 89 percent of respondents said IT product efficiency is either important or very important.
But there's more. As organizations continue to adopt programs and practices to drive environmental responsibility throughout their enterprises, IT is increasingly important to the broader enterprise "green" efforts. Perhaps the strongest indicator, 83 percent of IT departments report they are now responsible or cross-charged for electricity, providing a strong motivator for IT to reduce energy costs.
Furthermore, 89 percent think IT should play a significant role in "green" efforts and 82 percent have a corporate green advocate, with more than one-fifth focusing exclusively on IT initiatives.
Question: Has your hospital, health system or health plan implemented any "green" initiatives in the past few months? E-mail me at RMitchell@advanceweb.com with the details and I will publish them here in my blog.
Again, be sure to read our "Going Green in IT" July edition.