An independent expert user group has been formed that will focus their energy on researching best practices for sustainable Information Technology (IT) strategies.
The group, which is known as the Environmental IT Leadership Team, is being led by environmental charity
Global Action Plan. Sponsorship comes from international solutions provider Logicalis.
As part of its mission, the group will be empowered to conduct research into specific areas of concern such as Data Centers, Information Growth, and Legislation affecting the environment. The Environmental IT Leadership Team will maintain communication with experts from across the community, including political sources, industry and technological experts, and others to inform their independent research.
Trewin Restorick is Director of Global Action Plan and chair of the Environmental IT Leadership Team. He believes that this organization is in a better position to review the information available to IT managers, CIOs, CTOs and the whole range of IT purchasing decision makers and provide a forum that would paint a clearer picture of the options that are before them.
“Currently, the advice available to IT Directors and CIOs comes from technology vendors,” he says. “Although the intentions are good, the advice can be sometimes confusing and contradictory. This green IT team will provide a forum to review vendors’ advice and government policy, cutting through the techy and political jargon to give practical advice for creating a sustainable IT structure.”
British Medical Association (BMA), Sony UK Ltd., John Lewis Partnership, E.ON UK, CQS, the University of Cumbria and Lloyds TSB are among the organizations that have already committed themselves to this undertaking.
Government agencies are lending their support as well. Peter Ainsworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, welcomed this initiative. “The role of information technology in all our lives is set to continue growing rapidly, and it is essential to develop a better understanding of its impact on climate change and the use of natural resources, in order to minimize it.”
The Environmental IT Leadership Team will meet once quarterly.
Said Restorick, “I am confident that through debate, research and discussion, we can have a powerful impact on the way IT is purchased and implemented in the future.”
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