The application of technology effectively takes one of three forms:

Primary Interventions are technology solution that are applied to reduce the energy or emissions of the IT department.  In some organisations, like financial services for example, IT’s footprint is a significant component of the overall business.  Hence reducing emissions in this area can have a positive benefit.

Secondary Interventions occur when Information Technology is applied to a business process, usually to increase the operational efficiency of the business.  Good examples would be building management systems, intelligent motors, smart logistics and smart energy grids.  According to the Smart 2020 report produced by the Climate Group, it is estimated that the application of technology in this form could reduce global emissions by as much as 16% by 2020.

Strategic Interventions are inititiatives that deem the management and reduction of carbon as key to business competitiveness and performance.  Through measurement, reduction and the moneterisation of carbon, businesses seek competitive advantage by embracing the low carbon economy.  Examples would include ERP carbon dashboards and environmental intelligence software.

Every industry is unique and whether yours relies on technology or not, significant gains can be achieved through emracing sustainable computing initiatives.