Green IT? Not there yet, study finds

A majority of IT professionals say their organisations are aware of the environmental concerns raised by their industry, yet just as many give green IT efforts a failing grade, according to a study released today.

The BPM Forum report, “Think Eco-Logical: IT Sustainability Imperatives in Internet and eCommerce Business” (PDF), says 97 percent of the 285 professionals surveyed agree it’s important for the IT industry to reduce its carbon footprint. Eighty-two percent said their organisations understand those considerations, but the same number say their companies are failing to embrace “Think Eco-Logical” processes and practices.

“Corporate America is coming to grips with the need for social responsibility like never before, but this needs to translate to positive change in the short term,” said Donovan Neale-May, Executive Director of the BPM Forum. “Faced with a myriad of forces and factors, including a severely challenged economy and peer pressure to become more sustainable, IT executives must drive ecological action, not just rhetoric.”

Among the study’s other findings:

• 89 percent of IT professionals believe they are acting in an ecologically responsible manner to some extent;
• 90 percent say they recognise the importance of greening server technology;
• Professionals say the top benefits of green IT are reduced energy costs, meeting corporate social responsibility goals and generating positive PR.