GREEN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) : A WAY TO ACHIEVE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This paper discusses ideas and concepts of information and communications technologies (ICT) in ecological sustainability. It provides a preliminary idea about Green IT. The paper endeavors to create awareness among the IT professionals and entrepreneurs for Green IT, and suggests for the actions that they and their organizations should undertake. The paper analyses a few case studies and working papers pertaining to the subject and shows that most IT professionals are concerned about climate change and recognize the dual role of IT in causing and resolving environmental sustainability problems. More than 70% of IT professionals and entrepreneurs believe that they can play significant roles in leading Green IT changes. An equal percentage believe that Green IT should be a core part of an organization’s overall environmental sustainability strategy and IT management should take the responsibility for reducing IT’s environmental footprint. Only about 30% of respondents are aware of ICT policy. IT professionals are either sceptical or unaware of their organization’s commitment to Green IT. However, a minority of organizations are taking initial steps in terms of putting green IT on their agenda, allocating budget and implementing Green IT projects.