IT can 'help to reduce carbon emissions'

News Article - 21 May 2008
Category: Environment

IT can be a "great enabler" in reducing carbon dioxideemissions and improving carbon footprints, according to an expert.

John Buckley, managing director of advisor Carbon Footprint, suggests that IT can be used by businesses as an important tool in the fight to protect the environment and stall climate change.

According to Mr Buckley, companies should adopt green IT practices in order to reduce their carbon emissions, such as allowing people to work remotely and reducing the number of offsite meetings.

"Green IT is not just about reducing the environmental impact of the IT technologies a company uses; it is also about using IT to reduce carbon emissions of the whole business," he explained.

The Carbon Footprint boss also pointed out that IT can cut down on costs for firms by reducing travel expenses and time spent by employees travelling.

Zero Carbon Footprint reports that a PC today can consume 200-300W of power, emitting an estimated 220Kg of CO2/annum. Britain now has around ten million office PCs, with 43 per cent of the adult population now using a PC at work, a December 2007 report revealed.

Businesses attempting to improve their carbon footprint and reduce their impact on the environment can invest in carbonaccounting software in order to achieve their aims.

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