IT departments are finding greater benefits in deploying green IT technologies than they first thought, says analyst IDC

Research from IDC finds IT organisations are recognising increased benefits from implementing green initiatives and buying intelligently. By applying metrics to how the environment is reshaping the IT lifecycle, including asset disposal and recovery and recycling, IDC said IT organisations are generating a substantial return on investment (ROI).

In addition for firms, there was lowered risk and liability, increased data security, and improved environmental stewardship from green IT activities.

IDC's recent US Green IT survey found the cost of energy to be the overwhelming reason for companies adopting green IT. "This gives IT departments a great opportunity to contribute to corporate and national energy reduction goals through green initiatives like product selection, product design and product lifecycle management," said IDC analyst David Daoud.

Beyond energy savings though, IDC's IT Advisory Tools team was able to validate the wider benefits associated with the adoption of a green IT strategy. The team found that distinct IT lifecycle elements, when made greener, become much less costly and more efficient for the organisation.

"IT organisations should revisit the corporate structure linked to hardware lifecycle management. The goal is to move closer to a closed-loop process, meaning procurement, IT, facilities, finance, legal, and environmental should all be strategically aligned towards the same goals," said Daoud. "IT organisations shouldn't do it alone, ultimately there will be a need to use experts in various areas, from lifecycle management to finance."

IDC's Green IT and IT Advisory Tools team will host a webcast on its green IT savings research on 8 December. Those interested can register for it here