Description

Part A - The green agenda

Section 1 Introduction
Public sector ICT is waking up to the demands of the green agenda. ICT could be as much a part of the problem as the solution. This report explains how to reduce this risk and developn environmentally-friendly ICT.

Section 2 Understanding the policy context
ICT is a fast-moving sector, but the environmental agenda is moving just as fast. The demand for a reduction in carbon footprints is increasing. ICT managers must respond by understanding the policy issues and initiatives.

Part B - The ICT perspective

Section 3 Measuring the impact
It is critical to measure the environmental impact on ICT and to understand the basis of analytical tools and their limitations. We explain the approaches to measurement and cover business cases for new developments that take into account environmental impact.

Section 4 Managing the life-cycle of ICT equipment
ICT may have the image of a ‘clean’ industry, but all stages of the life-cycle for ICT equipment (ie manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal) have to be tightly controlled to protect the environment and human health.

Section 5 Reducing energy used by the data centre
The lifetime energy costs of powering and cooling servers are still overlooked by many ICT professionals, even though they are now as significant as purchase costs. As well as desktop equipment, we should investigate the environmental impact of the data centre.

Section 6 ‘Greening’ the ICT function
‘Do nothing’ is not an option. Climate change and the increasing global scarcity of fossil fuels means rising electricity costs and ever more sophisticated initiatives to measure and reduce carbon emissions. What must the ICT manager do to put the house in order to reduce the environmental impact of ICT?

Section 7 Making the organisation greener through ICT
Carefully planned use of ICT is a major factor in any change programme designed to reduce the office estate and travel costs. However, realistic and accurate environmental accounting for new projects is essential.

Part C Some good practice

Section 8 Learning from green pioneers
Implementing green practices is new ground for most ICT managers. We provide details of practical approaches to green ICT adopted by a range of UK public sector organisations plus one large corporate supplier of services.

Part D Conclusions

Section 9 Taking action
We produce a list of actions that are based on the research presented in this report. This is a topic where pre-conceived ideas may lead ICT managers down the wrong path. They must be flexible in developing strategies, policies and plans that will reduce the environmental impact of ICT.

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