Business and Green Computing

By: Dominik Schulte-Zurhausen, Marketing Manager, Tellumat Telecoms

The term ‘Green Computing’ addresses the efficient use of computer resources by business and individuals alike. As natural persons I like to think that we are all aware of the criticality that our personal and business decisions have on the environment.

However, a business, in the sense of being an entity which has no such innate prerogatives as to be concerned about the environmental impacts that its operations have on the environment can not by itself be expected to factor in the long-term value and importance of initiatives such as ‘Green Computing’.

This is where business decision makers and policy makers need to step in order to steer the organization with awareness and knowledge. Due to the fact that, in most part, these business drivers/custodians are measured by their performance in regards to a single bottom line we can not and should not expect them to divert any attention onto issues that they are not measured, audited or rewarded for.

‘Green Computing’, from a technology point of view, is effective and has the potential to dramatically redress the environmental impact that our business creates. What is needed is not more hype around these technologies, but rather an educated and demanding shareholder base that expects of its executives quantifiable returns on multiple bottom lines. I.e. the triple bottom line: Planet, Profit, People