October 15, 2008
A Note from the Editor
By Preston Gralla
Say the words “Green IT” and what does it conjure?Most likely savings in the data center via virtualization, server consolidation, and savings in cooling and power. There’s good reason that’s what you think of: It’s the lowest-hanging fruit, and has become commonplace at many corporations.
But there’s a world of Green IT outside virtualization and server consolidation, and this week we take a look at two other ways to green IT, both of which offer significant financial and environmental benefits. In my blog, “Green Hardware Reuse Can Fatten Your Bottom Line,” I look at how a big five bank was able to get a solid return on investment and do environmentally good by re-using existing equipment. The numbers tell the tale: A net return of more than $7.8 million, enough electricity saved to power 35,622 homes for a year, and reducing solid waste equivalent to that produced by 1,469 households in a year.
Also this week we look at a how paying attention to a humble hardware component can save energy and offer financial awards. Inefficient power supplies can cost companies thousands of dollars a year in lost energy. Our feature, “Down the Drain,” shows how groups like Energy Star, Climate Savers and 80 Plus are pushing computer manufacturers and global consumers to change their wasteful ways. We include plenty of links as well, so you can take action.
The Latest News on Green IT Strategies
U.S. Navy Uses Virtualization to Save Millions
By GreenerComputing Staff
Through a contract to manage the Navy and Marine Corps Intranet, Hewlett-Packard subsidiary EDS is aiming at a 90 percent reduction in servers needed and saving millions of dollars on energy and hardware costs…. Read More
CIOs Leading the Green IT Charge in Many Firms
Redemtech Launches Sustainable Consulting Initiative
SMBs Turn to IT to Go Green and Save Big: Survey
Google Shines Some Light on its Green Data Centers
Featured News
Plugging the Drain with Green Power Supplies
By Sarah Fister Gale
FeatureFeatureInefficient power supplies cost companies thousands of dollars in lost energy every year, but groups like Energy Star, Climate Savers and 80 Plus are pushing computer manufacturers and global consumers to change their wasteful ways. Here is a look at how the power problem is progressing, and what your company can do to save money and energy starting at the wall…. Read More
GreenBiz Radio
Green IT Can Make a Splash in the World of Water
By Matthew Wheeland
Peter Williams, the Chief Technology Officer for IBM’s Big Green Innovations project, explains how the company’s idea for a new, nonprofit water organization can make managing our most precious resource even more efficient…. Listen
Columns and Blogs
Preston Gralla
Green Hardware Reuse Can Fatten Your Bottom Line