Green IT
What is Green IT?
Green IT is an rounded approach that implements solutions and simultaneously achieves business and environmental benefits that will help overcome the challenges that organizations face today.
Key Points:
Server/Desktop Virtualization
Servers: ProTech leverages VMware for our servers. Instead of selling replacement servers, where applicable, we recommend server consolidation and virtualization. ProTech's internal servers use server virtualization to allow us to consolidate our servers onto a single hardware platform.
Workstations: Where applicable, ProTech recommends both new and existing customers focus on thin clients or virtual desktops. If thin clients are not an option, we then recommend that customers use workstations and monitors that are Energy Smart and have an EPEAT rating of at least Silver.
ProTech's roll in the reduction of onsite visits
Our standard first line of remediation for our managed clients is remote.
ProTech's use of alternative energy sources for our internal IT operations and how we encourage our clients to implement such technologies
Unfortunately, our facility does not allow us to fully leverage alternative forms of energy for our internal operations. However, we have implemented several initiatives that allow us to save energy. These include replacing our standard light bulbs with CFLs and adding high efficiency ballasts for the remainder of our lighting.
We also encourage our clients to look for alternatives forms of energy. We recommend that during a customer's building or remodeling processes that they leverage the LEEDs certification process as a guide for efficiency.
Power saving services
We focus our efforts and recommendations on equipment that is energy smart and has an EPEAT rating of at least silver. We also focus on LEEDs standard and practices for clients when they move into new locations. This includes the Energy & Atmosphere section of the LEEDs Certification process.
ProTech and Cloud Computing
The term 'Cloud Computing' in its most simplistic form means any hosted application or service that is delivered through the internet. Currently, we are offering hosted Exchange and SharePoint services from our hosted data center. We work closely with our software vendors to offer SaaS (software as a service), when available. As this technology and processes becomes more "main stream", we will roll out Cloud services to our existing and new client base.
Top 10 Best Green IT Practices
1. Buy energy efficient hardware
New offerings from major hardware vendors include servers, notebooks and workstations that meet the EPA's Energy Star guidelines for lower power consumption. Look for systems that have good EPEAT ratings (www.epeat.net (link)). Multicore processors increase processing output without substantially increasing energy usage. Also look for high efficiency (80%) power supplies, variable speed temperature controlled fans, small form factor hard drives, and low voltage processors. Make sure when upgrading your server hardware that you inquire about server virtualization.
2. Use best practices and power management technology
Modern operating systems running on Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)-enabled systems incorporate power-saving features that allow one to configure monitors and hard disks to power down after a specified period of inactivity. Systems can be set to hibernate when not in use, thus powering down the CPU and RAM as well.
3. Inspire employees
When employees know their computers are using less than half the power they used to, with no impact on productivity, they'll know they personally are helping to reduce the company's carbon footprint. Employees feel a sense of pride working in organizations that do their part for the environment.
4. Save money
PC power management software can cut energy costs by almost $60 dollars per PC, which can translate to six and seven figure annual savings for large enterprises. For many organizations, this can mean a 5-15 percent reduction in overall organization-wide energy consumption.
5. Use more efficient displays
If your company has old CRT monitors still in use, replacing them with LCD displays can save up to 70 percent in energy costs. However, not all LCD monitors are created equal when it comes to power consumption. High efficiency LCDs are available from several vendors.
6. Improved reputation and brand value
According to the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report, the vast majority of Americans not only expect business leaders and marketers to provide environmentally-friendly products, but they're adamant that those "green friendly" claims are backed up with legitimate practices. Investing in a strong sustainability program and communicating the value to customers and stakeholders can do wonders for your company's reputation and brand.
7. Energy-efficient IT is high performance IT
IT equipment can account for nine percent of all energy consumed by businesses - the third-largest source of power for the commercial sector. Putting power management policies in place is the easiest way to control power consumption across your network.
8. Recycle systems and supplies
To reduce the load on already overtaxed landfills and to avoid sending hazardous materials to those landfills (where they can leach into the environment and cause harm), old systems and supplies can be reused, repurposed, and/or recycled.
9. Encourage telecommuting
Telecommuting reduces costs for both employers and employees. The ultimate way to have a greener office is to have less office. By encouraging some workers to telecommute, you can reduce the amount of office space that needs to be heated and cooled, the number of computers required on site, and the number of miles driven by employees to get to and from work.
10. Reduce paper consumption
Another way to save money while reducing your company's impact on the environment is to reduce consumption of paper. Your company can do this by switching from a paper-based to an electronic workflow: creating, editing, viewing, and delivering documents in digital rather than printed form. Send documents as e-mail attachments rather than faxing. And when printing is unavoidable, you can still reduce waste and save money by setting printers to use duplex (double-sided) printing. An internal study conducted by HP showed that a Fortune 500 company can save 800 tons of paper per year (a savings of over $7 million) by printing on both sides.
For further information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
