In the Race to be Green: Turn to IT

Information technology’s role in promoting sustainability

Much has been written about the environmental impact of manufacturing and transportation, but less attention has been paid to a major culprit of environmental deterioration— IT. Computing equipment, pervasive at most companies, is a major source of damage to the environment, both in terms of carbon emissions and toxic waste. Corporate IT is responsible for as much as 1 million tons of electronic equipment that become obsolete each year, making it a major contributor to the growing "toxic tide." A recent A.T. Kearney study also finds that, worldwide, IT produces 600 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year. This is equivalent to the annual CO2 output from almost 320 million small cars.

Companies that want to meet their sustainability goals and become green must turn to their IT group—to address their own environmental impact and support the strategic initiatives necessary in the race to be green.