Non-green PCs expensive
For most companies, being green actually saves money, and alleviates some of the pressure on IT budgets.
"Faced with an economic downturn, many organisations tend to cut back on soft programmes – such as green efforts – as a cost-saving measure," says Steve Kleynhans, research vice-president at Gartner. "However, companies need to pursue these low-risk initiatives as they often provide quick returns that are especially attractive in a cost-cutting environment."
"Green PC initiatives typically do not add significantly to ongoing operational costs, and the small upfront costs associated with them are usually easily recovered 12 to 18 months after the programme begins," Kleynhans adds.
Companies should continue to move forward with green PC initiatives that began in 2007 and accelerate certain programmes, particularly those that deliver power savings, so that organisational efficiencies can have an impact on the budget as soon as possible.
Gartner has identified four key areas where green PC initiatives can lead to cost savings:
Look for eco-friendly labels on new PCs
Switching to a more eco-friendly model can reduce power consumption by 20% or more and usually carries only a very small premium (typically less than20 per desktop). If an organisation cuts back on new PC procurement, then switching the remaining new purchases to systems carrying these new eco-credentials will usually have no negative impact on operations but will lower energy costs.
Green really can save money
Putting machines into a low power state when not in use is a low risk, but a highly effective change to a PC fleet because it costs little or nothing (typically less than10 a year) to implement and reduces energy costs from more than75 a year to approximately18 a year. Concerns about patch installation are easily addressed by modern power-state management tools.
There’s gold in old machines
Good PC disposal programmes become even more critical in the event of a business downturn. When properly disposed of, older equipment has value that can help pay for newer, more-efficient systems. System recycling is the preferable solution, but even machines beyond refurbishment will have value based on parts and embedded recyclable materials.
Efficient users tend to be green users
The most efficient way of fulfilling a business process can often be the ’greenest’. Programmes that encourage the reduction of travel and commuting may require a minor uplift in technology spending, but are also likely to improve workers’ productivity and attitudes. Reducing the printing and distribution of paper will not only reduce environmental waste, but typically will speed up business processes.
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