Recently released independent research commissioned by specialist value-added distributor Bell Micro has demonstrated that whilst IT is seen to be responsible for driving green initiatives in the UK, half of IT decision makers remain unclear as to the actual value of a green policy. One in two of those questioned in fact believe that IT is not responsible for the bulk of an organisations CO2 emissions.
Of the small proportion of organisations that have implemented a full green IT policy (which is just 8% in the UK) the most common measures taken remain to be recycling of hardware, paper and cans -indicating that policies falls short when it comes to addressing the real concerns of energy consumption. Of the 350 organisations questioned throughout the UK, 15% which have a green IT policy have not yet started implementation, whilst a further 61% of those that have a policy have not implemented them completely. Faced with the prospect of being forced to implement a compliant green IT policy, 18% of UK business feared that they would not be ready within a 12 month period. While the research suggests a poor level of planning amongst organisations considering green policy might be to blame, greater concern is raised by the apparent failure of businesses to recognise a need to address IT concerns. Only 25% of those with existing policies have addressed the need for increased hardware utilisation or recommended implementing energy saving hardware or software solutions. Fewer still have addressed the value of virtualisation or consolidation of either virtual or actual storage within the data centre - 13% in both cases.
"I am surprised that such a large proportion of those organisations questioned have failed to adopt a formal green policy, said Antony Young, director, Services, Security & Networking Divisions at Bell Micro. "What concerns me more however is the apparent lack of awareness amongst UK businesses with regards to the value that new technologies can bring - which are readily available and can deliver considerable green advantages to a business immediately. Faced with investing in green solutions many of those questioned would seek to shift responsibility by outsourcing to a third party. 85% of organisations with a green policy were found to be more likely to be outsourcing IT functionality, yet only 27% insisted on checking the green credentials of a supplier. 21% admitted to having no knowledge if such checks were even in place.
"Faced with these findings one has to question the current ethics of outsourcing green IT, continued Young. "It is also worth remembering that if green IT does become subject to legislation it is highly unlikely that such unregulated outsourcing would be acceptable. UK businesses clearly must introduce more vigorous vetting procedures when outsourcing to third party organisations. What is apparent from these findings is that IT departments require a quantifiable green education and structured response, such as those provided by Bell Micro's GoinGreen initiative.