Analysis of Green IT - Literature review Example

? Green It Green IT stands for Green Information Technology and can also be referred to as green computing. It has various definitions, one being thestudy and using of computer materials efficiently and with less impact on the environment. It can also be defined as the study and practice of environmentally sustainable computing. Similarly it is referred to the practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computer efficiently and effectively with minimum impact to the environment. We will discuss briefly on how Green Information Technology is first implemented in the computer manufacturing company, then how the consumer will also bring about it and the different ways governments and other organizations have encouraged use of green information technology. Secondly a brief history on the progress of green IT and where it was first implemented, how it affects the environment and general policies about green Information Technology. Green IT starts from the designing, disposing, and manufacturing and also during usage of a computer, it is expected that during all these processes the concept of green information technology policy is applied or used (Friedman and Thomas, 2008). The main goals of green information technology is to reduce usage of harmful or hazardous material while manufacturing computers, maximize on the energy used during products lifetime and most importantly promote recycling of defunct products and waste from factories. Most of today’s corporate world and industries have encouraged green computing in their respective Information Technology department; through this they minimize the negative impact on the environment in their Information Technology operations (Webber, Larry and Wallace, 2009). To promote green computing some basic approaches are employed to make it easier to understand. These approaches include; green use, green disposal, green design and green manufacturing. Green use concept is using minimal electricity consumption in computers and its devices in an environmental friendly manner. Likewise, green disposal is the re-making or recycling of computers and its devices, and if not possible, disposing them appropriately (Wilcox and Charlotte, 2009). Green design is encouraged in computer designing where it is necessary to design an energy efficient computer or other peripherals. Lastly green manufacturing is employed during manufacturing of computer to reduce the negative impact of these activities. Some of the features that have been programmed into computers that impose Green Information Technology is like the hibernate mode when one is not using the computer for a period of time, using of liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors instead of cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors because CRT monitors uses more power then LCD monitors or using power management features to minimize the amount of power. The Green Information Technology computing initiative is designed to cater for all areas; this is because modern Information Technology system relies on different type of people who operate in different ways. A computer contains different kinds of chemical toxins that are harmful to the environment. A single computer can contain up to 1 kilogram of lead that is combine with other chemicals like boron, phosphor and hydrofluoric acid just to mention a few (Maus and Rex, 2010). Due to this it was necessary to come up with a system that would ensure these harmful materials don’t negatively affect the environment or at the least minimize the negative effect. However, careless disposal of these electronics is not the only way that it affects the environment negatively; lack of using energy efficient methods while using computers or generally electronic affects the environment. This is done by ensuring that a computer used or a related technology reduce the amount of electricity that it uses but instead use it more efficiently. Through this the amount of carbon (IV) oxide produced during energy production is reduced hence environment degradation is minimized. It was first introduce in 1992, in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was behind this project and was meant to promote and recognize the energy efficiency in monitors and other computer technologies. As a result there was a widespread adoption of sleep mode in the electronics being used. It was later adopted by the Swedish organization that promoted the use of CRT-based computer display and expanded to include energy consumption. The Green It initiative has now grown and according to surveys carried out by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), up to 90 governments and industries have employed it. The survey also showed that the industries preferred to implement the Green IT themselves to actual implantation in tackling global warming and degradation of the environment, and they have received support from government agencies by making policies and passing bills that favors and promote Green Information Technology. Green IT has further being encouraged by introducing green computing programs in the education systems (Adams, Krista, Lorrai ne DiRienzo, Robynne Chutkan and Chuck Farrall, 2008). The program is offered both in degree and postgraduate levels. It is done through training in range of information technology and how to efficiently build and maintain systems at the same time reduce negative impact to the environment. Some of the universities across the globe that offers such programs include; The Australian National University (ANU) based in Australia, Athabasca University in Canada and in the United Kingdom, Leeds Metropolitan University offers Green computing programs. Through these programs majority of the younger generation are appreciating and implementing the Green IT system in the institutions that concern them. In addition there are different blogs on the internet that offer information or rather educates the public about Green IT. The information on the blogs is mostly contributed by students who have already taken the various courses in Green IT. Over the years the Green IT program has grown vastly to a point where they organize events to promote Green IT that is; International Green IT Awareness Week (IGITAW).This is a seven day, multi time zone and international event that happens online and was started in June 2010. An example the one held last year, between June 1 and June 7 2012. The main purposes of this week are to encourage both individuals and organization to continue using methods that are positive to the environment, developing a Green IT strategy and Green IT financial incentives. During this week different programs, activities and initiatives are carried out hosted by public and private sector organization. Online conferences are also hosted by IT green experts, government officials and celebrities. They address emerging issues around green IT and also share the best methods for the implementation of environmental friendly policies for both home and business technology users. REFERENCES Adams, Krista, Lorrai ne DiRienzo, Robynne Chutkan, and Chuck Farrall. (2008) Green energy. Wynnewood, PA: Schlessinger Media. Print. Calder, Alan. (2009) Compliance for green IT a pocket guide. Ely, UK: IT Governance Pub. Print. Friedman, Thomas L.. (2008) Hot, flat, and crowded: why we need a green revolution-- and how it can renew America. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Print. Green IT reality, benefits and best practices. (2008) Ely, U.K.: IT Governance, Print. Maus, Rex. (2010) Green IT. Boca Raton, Fla.: Auerbach. Print. Webber, Larry, and Michael Wallace. (2010) Green tech how to plan and implement sustainable IT solutions. New York: American Management Association, Print. Wilcox, Charlotte. (2009) Earth-friendly waste management. Minneapolis, Minn.: Lerner. Print. Read More