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GreenIT flash

It’s Not So Easy Being Green...

A large institution embarked on an ambitious plan to make operations Carbon Neutral. Programs were started for Green Transportation, Recycling and Energy Reduction. The IT department was asked to launch projects to contribute to its share of the overall greenhouse gas reduction program.

The process seemed simple: inventory all the IT equipment, determine energy use and waste patterns, and then create plans for improvement. After several months time, although several energy and waste reduction projects had been started, there was still no inventory of equipment, nor was there agreement on what should be included. Why?

The IT department met resistance from many departments who didn’t want to inventory their assets for fear it might lead to budget cuts or loss of control over their IT equipment. Departments controlling surveillance systems, video networks and emergency services claimed their equipment was “not IT”.

"Political" obstacles are a common problem when beginning a Sustainable IT effort. The program requires clear leadership and objectives to ensure cooperation from all affected parties.

 

GreenIT 360/365

A structured Process for Eco-Responsibility

360/365Any organization that has made a commitment to a GreenIT plan knows that meaningful changes cannot be accomplished without a systemic plan, multi-organizational buy-in, and staffing and funding.

The GreenIT 360/365 Service package provides experienced staff, proven processes and custom tools to help your organization develop and execute a successful Sustainable IT program. To accommodate your situation, the 360/365 program is flexible yet provides a structured method to carry you through the process of measurement, evaluation, planning, execution and reassessment.

Data Collection and Baselining

The first step creates a detailed bottoms-up inventory of equipment, energy use, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, waste production, and costs. With this profile of IT systems and associated eco-impacts, an objective baseline is set for deciding priorities and goals, allocating resources, and measuring achievements. This step marks the preliminary GreenIT Index®.

Efficiency and Consolidations

In the next phase, GreenIT works with key participants to identify short term opportunities for improvement, create action plans and measure results. These short term programs result in immediate reductions in eco-footprint (and often costs), a medium-term action plan for further improvements, and a revised GreenIT Index® for reporting.

Organization and Process

Once near term objectives are achieved, the next step is to engage with key stakeholders (Executive Management, Facilities/Real Estate, Finance, Human Resources, Transportation, etc.) on how IT can streamline their operations. When agreement is reached on objectives , changes to budgets and operating processes are assessed.

Systems ReDesign

In the first two phases, baseline information were gathered, short-term changes were implemented, and the effectiveness of the changes were measured. In phase three, longer term initiatives for changes in business process and IT functions were evaluated and budgeted. In phase four, this information is put together into a cohesive plan for long term sustainability actions.