21.02.2023
As environmental awareness continues to grow, businesses are becoming increasingly mindful of their carbon footprint. One area where organisations can make a significant impact on the environment is their IT infrastructure. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the ways UK organisations can reduce their carbon footprint associated with their IT operations.
Understanding the Environmental Impact of IT Infrastructure
To understand the environmental impact of IT infrastructure, we need to look at the energy consumption of servers, data centres, and other IT equipment. According to a report by the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), data centres and networks consumed 17 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2018, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 5.3 million households. This energy consumption results in a significant carbon footprint and contributes to global warming and climate change.
Green IT Practices
One of the key ways UK businesses can reduce their carbon footprint associated with their IT operations is by implementing green IT practices. These practices include:
- Server Virtualisation: This involves running multiple virtual servers on a single physical server, reducing the number of physical servers required and lowering energy consumption.
- Cloud Computing: By using cloud-based services, businesses can reduce the need for on-premises data centres, which can be energy-intensive.
- Energy-Efficient Hardware: Energy-efficient hardware, such as servers, desktops, and laptops, consumes less power and can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- IT Asset Management: By managing IT assets effectively, businesses can reduce the amount of energy consumed by unused or underutilised equipment.
Renewable Energy
Another way UK businesses can reduce their carbon footprint associated with their IT operations is by using renewable energy to power their data centres. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are all viable options for powering data centres and can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a business’s IT operations.
Sustainable Procurement
Sustainable procurement practices can also help reduce the environmental impact of a business’s IT operations. By purchasing energy-efficient IT equipment and using environmentally-friendly materials in the manufacturing process, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Carbon Offsetting
Finally, businesses can offset the carbon emissions associated with their IT operations by investing in carbon offsetting programs. These programs fund renewable energy projects, reforestation projects, and other initiatives that help reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Case Studies
Several UK businesses have successfully implemented sustainable IT practices and reduced their carbon footprint. For example, Barclays Bank has committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030, while Unilever has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2039. These businesses have implemented a range of green IT practices, such as server virtualisation, cloud computing, and renewable energy, to reduce their carbon footprint and operate in a more sustainable manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sustainability in IT infrastructure is a crucial topic for UK businesses. By implementing green IT practices, using renewable energy, practicing sustainable procurement, and investing in carbon offsetting programs, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint associated with their IT operations and contribute to a more sustainable future. We encourage UK businesses to take action and implement these practices in their own operations to reduce their environmental impact, and help combat climate change.
Daniel Ainsworth – Director MITAD