News Article - 27 January 2010
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A recent study by consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan says tech companies are pushing investment in green projects despite the recession, but only if the project has an agreeable ROI. The study offers advice to businesses looking to improve ROI, and profiles larger companies – such as IBM – who have seen notable returns on green investments.

The most common drivers of green IT spending were found to be cost savings, better differentiation and improved brand loyalty. Some of the companies highlighted in the report had begun developing frameworks to facilitate efficient green investment, and were seeking accreditation from relevant organisations.

Sharifah Amirah, principal analyst at Frost & Sullivan, says tech companies will double the amount of green investments over the next two to three years, despite the lack of concrete goals reached at the Copenhagen Summit. Pressure from governments, stakeholders and consumers will continue to drive the green agenda.

The optimistic report did however acknowledge the lack of standardised measurement frameworks and the difficulty in gauging non-tangible benefits to businesses. It is not the first report to highlight standardised frameworks as a key requirement for comparative analysis. In recent months green groups have made calls for global carbon reporting standards to be introduced, in an effort to put pressure on businesses to lead the carbon-reduction agenda.

Small and medium sized businesses should remain aware of green IT trends over the coming years. Increased pressure to step up investment in green projects may result in unfavourable market positions if a firm commitment to the green agenda cannot be made. Larger businesses that pursue aggressive investments in green projects may also look down the supply chain to ensure continuity of brand.

Access can advise UK companies on how its business software solution can provide usable data to help facilitate more efficient investment in green IT projects. Reporting carbon emissions figures is particularly valuable, allowing businesses to accurately track carbon output and break it down by individual or department. By analysing which areas of the business are the most carbon-intensive, green IT projects can be targeted to achieve maximum efficiency.

For more information, please call 0845 345 3300.

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