| As the world becomes more aware of the | | | | computing strategies. Proponents of green IT are |
| importance of protecting the environment and | | | | working closely with government officials to |
| preserving our natural resources more industries | | | | create programs at local and state levels to allow |
| are attempting to create green products and | | | | and compel companies to properly dispose of |
| processes to reduce their impact on the | | | | computer equipment. In addition to recycling and |
| environment. The information technology industry | | | | proper disposal, companies are now looking at |
| is quickly embracing the concepts of green IT or | | | | ways to refurbish and reuse existing equipment |
| green computing. This movement aims to create | | | | rather automatically purchasing new equipment. |
| products that are more efficient and release | | | | One of the most important factors when |
| fewer harmful emissions. The green IT | | | | designing environmentally friendly IT systems is to |
| movement is focusing on the entire life cycle of | | | | consider the concept of green design. Green IT |
| the computing process when creating strategies | | | | experts examine the design of items such as |
| for environmentally friendly products and | | | | computers and related peripherals to create items |
| systems. Factors such as use, disposal, design, | | | | that reduce the consumption of energy as well as |
| and manufacturing are critical when implementing | | | | operate and consume energy in a more efficient |
| green IT strategies. | | | | manner. The information technology industry along |
| An important factor when implementing | | | | with government agencies are creating standards |
| environmentally friendly IT systems is to consider | | | | and benchmarks for the energy use of computer |
| the concept of green use. Green IT experts are | | | | related products. Manufacturers continue to |
| examining how companies use their computer | | | | manufacture products according to recommended |
| equipment as well as suggesting strategies to use | | | | energy star ratings allowing businesses and |
| the equipment in more environmentally friendly | | | | individuals to purchase products that will fit into |
| ways. In the past companies wanted 24/7/365 | | | | their own green IT strategies. |
| access to servers for updates and system | | | | Green manufacturing is also an important concept |
| upgrades. Companies also considered the process | | | | in green computing. Experts in green IT are |
| of shutting down the servers as a laborious and | | | | developing and creating methods to produce and |
| time intensive process. With the advance of green | | | | manufacture computer components with minimal |
| IT strategies companies are now rethinking how | | | | impact on the environment. Manufacturers are |
| they access servers and whether or not the | | | | designing computer components that will operate |
| equipment needs to be powered on around the | | | | more efficiently and will not contribute hazardous |
| clock. Green strategists are exploring new ways | | | | materials or byproducts. Component |
| to power down the equipment while achieving the | | | | manufacturers are also designing and implementing |
| company's objectives of access, upgrades, and | | | | strategies to create more efficient manufacturing |
| updates. | | | | processes to reduce the manufacturing impact of |
| Disposal of computer related products is an | | | | computers and peripherals. |
| essential component of implementing green | | | | |