Green IT Predictions

Research organizations have been closely monitoring the development and adoption of "green IT" in organizations.  Based on the reports this year, reports suggests that the focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives in IT will continue.

In January 2008, Gartner released a report titled "Gartner's Top Predictions for IT Organizations and User" predicting the areas that will at the top of most IT strategies.  One of these issues is "green IT".  The report suggests that "environmental, or green, issues will directly affect IT decisions related to the purchase of systems, services and the selection of vendors that support the green IT movements."

Gartner recommends that companies should initiate a green IT program to ensure compliance with up and coming regulations as well as promoting a consistent approach to environmental issues across industries.

In March 2008, Forrester Research released a report titled "The Dawn of Green IT Services" predicting that the professional services industry for sustainability consulting in IT would reach $4.8 billion in 2013 with the European countries leading the adoption.

In addition in May 2008, Forrester Research relased a report titled "More Green Progress in Enterprise IT" suggesting that awareness of environmental impact of IT remains high and adoption of practises has increased.  The report also recognizes the contributions that IT can make to an organization's broader sustainability initiatives.

For sustainability in business proponents, this is good news.  Adoption of sustainability practises and concepts in all areas of an organization, including IT, is an important step to transforming business and ensuring society adapts to new environmental constraints.

If you are looking for resources to assist your business in starting a sustainable IT initiative, check out our Green IT Guide and Toolkit for Sustainable Business.

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1.  Plummer, Daryl C. et al, "Gartner's Top Predictions for IT Organizations and Users, 2008 and Beyond: Going Green and Self-Healing." January 8, 2008. Gartner Research. Available on-line.

2.  Mines, Christopher. "The Dawn of Green IT Services." March 2, 2008. Forrester Research. Available on-line.

3.  Mines, Christopher. "More Green Progress in Enterprise IT." May 16, 2008.  Forrester Research. Available on-line.