How green IT can ease recession blues

News Article - 24 May 2012
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Companies are being encouraged to recognise how green technologies can contribute to overall efficiencies and not just consider the benefits for corporate social responsibility. During the recession, many companies turned to eco-friendly investments to help offset financial troubles and found they offered a high return on investment and contributed to overall fiscal health.

Whilst responsibility for climate change now falls on both governments and businesses, some firms have been slow to invest in eco-friendly initiatives, perhaps due to limited evidence on the financial implications. However, investments during the economic crisis have shown that not only do green technologies make good business sense but also display some resistance to the effects of recession.

Research carried out by Gartner at the height of the economic downturn revealed that financial anxieties did not prevent companies from making green investments. In December 2008 the poll revealed that 46% of European respondents anticipated spending more than 15% of IT capital budgets on eco-friendly projects. Industry experts say the survey reveals a link between green technology spending and efficient business operations.

The move to low-carbon technologies was previously seen as an expensive one. However, as sustainability, reduced energy usage and good business sense are seen as more and more correlated, it is expected investments in green technologies will rise. Measuring energy usage is one of the leading ways firms are using green technologies. By analysing the most carbon-intensive areas of operation firms are more able to distribute resources more efficiently and cut out the inefficient areas of operation that use significant amounts of energy but provide fewer benefits.

Access provides an integrated carbon reporting solution that allows firms to break down energy costs on an individual or departmental level, providing full disclosure on the company's energy usage. This accurate data can then be scrutinised and maximum cost savings can be made by focusing behavioural change in energy-intensive areas. Using this solution companies gain both financial benefits and an improved eco-friendly profile, which is becoming increasingly important as pressure is applied to businesses to contribute significantly to climate change efforts.

For more information, please call Access on 0845 345 3300.

Article keywords: carbon reporting, corporate social responsibility, green technologies, low-carbon technologies, carbon-intensive areas

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