IT plugs into green agenda

Being green may once have been considered a luxury, but times have changed, says GreenerComputing.

Research by DMW Group has revealed that 82% of businesses do have a generic green policy, including areas such as recycling and using low-energy light bulbs. However, the area of technology largely remains untouched.

Given that IT can be responsible for up to 40% of a typical firm's carbon footprint, many organisations are recognising that significant efficiencies can be made.

Midlands firms are displaying a "noticable change in attitude" towards energy-efficient technology, says The Birmingham Post.

"Persuading companies to invest in green technology today is like pushing at an open door," says Vanessa Landreau, marketing executive of Telford-based green tech firm Maxsys.

With fuel prices rising, it is hardly surprising that businesses are turning their attention to technologies that can boost their energy efficiency.

Of 27 tech trends that Gartner analysts predict will make a major impact on business IT operations in coming years, three of the most promising offer environmental benefits to companies as well as advantages in efficiency and innovation, reports GreenerComputing.

The 2008 Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies, authored by Gartner VP Jackie Fenn, pinpointed green IT, video teleconferencing and cloud computing as trends to watch.

Also on list of hyped technologies are social networking services and microblogging platforms like Twitter.