IT industry issues from Intellect - read our blog...
As we become increasingly dependant on technology in our daily lives, the amount of energy required to keep our numerous devices functioning is increasing. Lower production costs and faster technological change mean that consumers and businesses change products more frequently, creating new recycling challenges. With dwindling energy supplies and global warming, further regulation is likely, however the technology industry also has the potential to be a major part of the solution to these environmental challenges.
Our industry has a duty to ensure that energy efficient products are developed and that recycling is practical, but technology can also be used to design and run energy efficient homes, offices, factories and transport. With ICT underpinning most organisations in the public and private sectors, steps taken by our industry could make a huge impact on our energy consumption and its impact on the environment.
Whilst universal internet access is fundamental in eliminating the digital divide, we need to look at the entire life cycle of electronic devices in terms of the consumption of energy and natural resources. Developing products with longer life cycles and more efficient standby power modes could have a major impact on energy consumption and recycling.
Virtualising an organisation’s IT infrastructure through ‘grid computing’ is a more energy efficient way to run computers. The use of low-energy LED (light emitting diode) lighting and solar panel technology in homes and offices could deliver major environmental benefits. Our industry is right at the forefront of these new technologies and we are well placed to respond to opportunities in the worldwide market for environmental goods and services.
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