Devoteam has published the results from its second European survey dedicated to Green IT, entitled "Which technologies for sustainable development?” After the initial 2009 publication rich and valuable lessons had been learnt. One hundred and thirty four organisations in eleven European countries responded to the online questionnaire this year posted last June on the website of the information technology and communication consulting company specialising in the infrastructures of information systems.

Green IT today: more than just a wish to reduce costs!

The 2010 survey revealed a strong awareness from the organisations surveyed. Even though some respondents believe that Green IT is a way to cut costs, 67% of them see it as an important investment for sustainable development and a means to meet the expectations of their customers. The study thus highlights some progress made compared with 2009, but also highlights some major issues that have been poorly controlled, as illustrated by the evolution of the main trends below.

• Data centres and videoconferencing have the wind in their sails: 
• Data centre energy efficiency is at the heart of the concerns of Information Management Systems (IMS), since 90% of companies are working to improve it.

A boom of 50% in the use of remote meeting solutions, probably due to the crisis, is noteworthy.

• Waste out of control and carbon footprints stopped: 
• Despite major environmental impacts, the treatment of electronic waste is still not a priority since the majority of organisations do not manage to recycle equipment at the end of their life. 

Carbon footprints are not progressing and have stabilised at 32%, reflecting the current regulatory environment.

Alan Greenberg, Managing Director of Devoteam UK, said: “This follow-up survey shows how green IT has come of age, moving beyond being seen as a cost reduction exercise. However, organisations still have much to do to ensure their environmental responsibility forms part of future strategic development.”