CIPS Connections – March 5th, 2008

by Joanne M. Haywood

Lately it seems that all anyone can talk about is the environment. Climate change, carbon footprints, power consumption – you name it – dominate the public agenda and the messages being sent send shivers down our collective spines. On a personal level we all know how simple changes can have a dramatic effect on improving our world. But how can we in the technology sector connect personal and professional actions to enhance the environmental effort?

It’s a tough question and there is no easy answer. Until recently there has been a lack of hard evidence to support the assertion that the use of Information Technology (IT) is having a significant negative impact on the environment. And increasingly, executives are being taken off guard when challenged by their Boards to develop and implement green policies and new management practices to enforce them. Many companies already have corporate responsibility policies but some fail to look at all areas of their organization and neglect to incorporate IT into the greening mix. Yet, the average server has a larger annual carbon footprint than an SUV getting 15 MPG, according to a report titled, “The Inefficient Truth” released by Global Action Plan in 2007. And when looking at the sheer amount of energy required to power our datacenters, PCs, telecommunications, and other IT gadgets we know intuitively that something must be done to reduce our energy consumption and ultimately our carbon footprint.

But, it’s not just about power. Green IT is about improving operational efficiencies, increasing productivity, limiting waste, and recycling from the desktop to the datacenter. Combined with the development and deployment of innovative green technologies these initiatives provide the foundation for a clear, measurable environmental strategy for business today and for tomorrow.

“The challenge is Canadian organizations want to be proactive and do more but don’t necessarily have all the tools in place to get there. They are looking for more ‘how to’ information,” says David Senf, a researcher for IDC Canada. A recent IDC Green IT study indicates 94% of large and mid-market Canadian firms believe they should do more to help reduce their impact on the environment.

You, Me & Green IT Forum
Attending, IDC Canada’s unique environmental event, “You, Me & Green IT,” will give you the insight, tools, and strategies for driving a successful environmental program within your organization. This powerful 2-day forum will explore the impact various technologies have on the environment, help you to discover and assess the operational considerations for your organization, such as architectural issues for your datacenter, wireless energy management, mobility, and energy rebates, and provide you with real world examples of successful environmental initiatives – from companies just like yours.

And there’s more. Dr. David Suzuki, Canada’s leading environmental activist, will attend via live video hook-up to reflect on the past century and how humanity has undergone an explosive change in numbers, science, technology, consumption, and economics, that have endowed us with the power to alter the biological, physical, and chemical properties of the planet. His presentation promises to be informative, thoughtful, and controversial.

Complimentary one-to-one meetings with IDC Canada’s leading analysts will enable you to gain strategic advice on your company’s Green IT initiatives. Participating in a dynamic, simulated “Green Idea Marketplace,” buying and selling prospective ideas for improving the environment will give you insight into the most important priorities for Canadian business and help to form the basis of a green action plan for your company.

This is one event you don’t want to miss.

For more information and to register today go to: www.idc.com/youmegreenit
or call 1-888-432-2812. In Toronto, call: (416) 673-2260.

You, Me & Green IT Forum
April 9-10, 2008
Ontario Science Centre
Toronto, Ontario

Early Bird *end user offer – $195 – Contact ssymonds@idc.com or 1-888-432-2812 to obtain the special end user rate
Early Bird vendor offer – $495 Register at www.idc.com/youmegreenit