Green Computing and Environmental Impact in Salahaddin University Erbil in Kurdistan - Essay Example

Case Study: Green Computing and Environmental Impact in Salahaddin Erbil in Kurdistan Intro Salahaddin is a large with over ten colleges specialising in areas such as science, arts and education. The number of colleges at the university is a clear indication of the university’s aspect of diversity. The university has poor environmental protection practices characterised by the lack of green cover across the university compound. The government worsens this situation by not setting up appropriate environmental protection policies and regulations. However, this research purposes to introduce green computing as an environmental protection strategy at the university with the sole aim of saving on electricity consumption by the institution (Elsenpeter & Velte 2008, p.45). Aim To investigate the use of cloud computing in Salahaddin University Erbil and to evaluate its environmental impact within the institution. Objectives To conduct a critical literature review on green computing in Salahaddin University Erbil. To investigate how green computing in used at Salahaddin University Erbil. To investigate the possible effects of green computing on the environment at Salahaddin University Erbil. To provide possible recommendations on the use of green computing to Salahaddin University Erbil. To investigate green waste management of computer products To find the relationship between green computing and the environment within Salahaddin University Erbil. Rationale The use of green computing in the Salahaddin University Erbil entails embarking on various computer practices that encourage reduced consumption of electricity. According to Hu and Kaabouch (2012, p. 78), green computing brings about significant savings on the environmental wastes from technological machines and equipment, as well as contribute greatly to the conservation of the environment. This is a critical mechanism that is useful in this research as reduced consumption of electricity at the institution directly lessens the burden on the environmental resources that are used to generate the amount of power used at Salahaddin University Erbil. According to Gangadharan and Murugwsan (2012, p. 34), the use of green computing has a close relationship with the university’s environment, which should dictate the practices of green computing at the institution. Initiatives that encourage green computing at this university are important to the institution in the aspect that there will be reduced charges of electricity consumed. This is also essential to the research community in understanding reliable ways that could be used to cut down the cost of electricity consumed at Salahaddin University Erbil. This is also crucial in understanding the specific impacts that the use of green computing at the institution will have on its immediate and distant environments. Practices of green computing at Salahaddin University Erbil benefit this research in determining how the reduced use of electricity will affect the overall environment at the institution. It is significant in understanding the various attributes and effectiveness of green computing as an ideal practice that conserves the environment. Background Green computing is, therefore, the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently. As such, technologies already making use of green computing are considering its effects on the environment, the economy as well as the general livelihood of the people involved. The main reason behind the embracing of this technology is its positive effects on the environment. Most companies originally focused on profitability. However, the recent developments in the environmental setting transformed these perceptions in business, such as global warming and carbon emissions. Gangadharan and Murugwsan (2012, p.315-340) argue that this led to the adoption of more environment friendly corporate practices in these businesses, such as social responsibility and initiative towards protecting and preserving the environment. Methodology & Methods First and foremost methodology is case study (as reflected in the title) The proposed research methodology will entail an extensive use of Life Cycle Assessment methodology and Qualitative and Quantitative research methodologies. However, before the use of both Qualitative and Quantitative research methodologies, Life Cycle Assessment will be used on the case study. The LCA is a crucial tool that will involve a close comparison of the various issues regarding green computing and environmental factors in its use in Salahaddin University. The second step in the development of this research is based on the appropriate methodology used in order to collect the necessary data (Imber et al. 2010, pp. 56–75). This will lead to enhancement of the study results. This research on the case study will focus on empirical research using qualitative and quantitative methodologies to ensure a good level of findings. Data collection methods applicable include: Inventory audit L.C.A Interviews Research methodology – Quantitative (collecting data) – Qualitative (seek empirical support for the research objectives) According to Hahn (2008, p. 31), qualitative research can be easily done through the use of computer. In this case, computer serves as an essential tool that uses the Internet to seek information on the World Wide Web. The research only needs to have a focus on what they intend to find out, which is then searched over the Onternet, yielding easier ways of accessing a wide variety of academic materials. In addition, according to Silverman (2013, p. 17), any research work can be achieved by following several steps that make it to be more credible. These steps include having a well-organised methodology that guides the researcher in determining the areas to specifically focus on while conducting the research. Lastly, according to Hatch (2002, p. 33), research in educational settings is explained to be best suited when it involved using real statistical data retrieved from the institution. This means that the research at this point is guided by the past and the immediate trends of the institution of interest, which in this case is green computing in Salahaddin University Erbil. Inventory audit are also critical research methods that are useful in this study. According to Silverman (2013, p. 21), inventory audits are crucial tools for research that capture all the pages of web for a given site and service that itemizes the required services. Using this research tool, it will be possible to identify what needs to be recorded, written or re-written to ensure that the objectives of this study are fully achieved. LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is a technique that will be extensively used in this study to ascertain the impact that will be associated with the use of green computing once implemented at the Salahaddin University Erbil. According to Hahn (2002, p. 45) involves the use of raw data extracted through various materials processing, distribution, repair, maintenance and disposal or recycling. In this research LCA will help in avoiding a narrow overlook on the various environmental concerns arising at the Salahaddin University Erbil. Ultimately, interviews will also be used in the study, and will directly involve different individuals and departments in the subject of research, which in this case is about green computing at Salahaddin University Erbil. The research will be guided by a series of questions that will use questionnaires, telephone calls or one-on-one interviews with various departments in the institution. Ethics Ethical issues for the research have been considered and the form will be submitted. Conclusion From this research proposal, we hope to agree on the specific effects that green ICT practices have on the subsequent environment. Reference List Elsenpeter, R. & Velte, T. (2008). Green It: Reduce Your Information Systems Environmental Impact While Adding To The Bottom Line: Reduce Your Information Systems Environmental Impact While Adding To The Bottom Line, Mcgraw Hill Professional, New York. Gangadharan, G. & Murugwsan, S. (2012) Harnessing Green It: Principle And Practices, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey. Hahn, C. (2008). Doing qualitative research using your computer: A practical guide. Los Angeles [Calif.: SAGE. Hatch, J. A. (2002). Doing qualitative research in education settings. Albany: State University of New York Press. Hu, W. & Kaabouch, N. (2012). Sustainable ICTS And Management Systems For Green Computing, IGI Global Snippet, Boston. Imber, J., Lytras, M., Maurer, H., Pablos, P., Roulstone, A. & Zilderman, A. (2010). Organizational, Business, And Technological Aspects Of The Knowledge Society: Third World Summit On The Knowledge Society, WSKS 2010, Corfu, Greece, September 22-24, 2010, Proceedings, Springer, New York. Silverman, D. (2013). Doing Qualitative Research. A Practical Handbook. Springer, New York Read More