Can software improve the environment?

The ICT industry is one that may not spring to mind when governments, businesses and consumers consider how to positively impact our natural environment, particularly managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The ICT industry generates about 2% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions*  and this is set to grow by at least 6% per year as demand for PC’s and peripherals, data centres and mobile networks increases. Many businesses in the sector are working to address these direct impacts through improved management of their operations. For example, at Microsoft in Australia, we are utilising the power management capabilities of our software, improving the energy efficiencies of our buildings, replacing air travel when possible with Unified Communications, and reducing our waste generation.

While the impact of our operations will require constant vigilance, we are broadening our focus from ‘tidying house’ to better appreciate that the ICT industry as a whole can make a genuine contribution towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated outside of the ICT sector. I think this is exciting because it shifts our activities from mitigating our own impacts to creating a positive impact on the environment.

According to the Smart 2020 Report (The Climate Group, 2008), information and communication technologies can facilitate a 15% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. There is great opportunity to realise energy efficiencies in buildings, motors, logistics, transport and power generation. Of course, putting the best software solutions into practice will also require partnerships, political will, behavioural change and the right market forces.

With uncertainty surrounding the ‘teeth’ of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the potential of the COP15 Summit in Copenhagen to reach universal agreement and progress, it is refreshing to know that technology can generate practical solutions that will contribute to a lower carbon future.

Susan Vine, Environment and Sustainability Coordinator

* Cited by Gartner - Green IT: The New Industry Shockwave, presentation at Symposium/ITXPO conference, April 2007

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