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Sustainability is a relevant topic in the current market scenario, therefore, companies must invest in good environmental protection practices. In this context, Green IT occupies a prominent position, as it contributes to the implementation of environmentally responsible policies in organizations of different sizes.
A sustainable approach is not only beneficial for the environment, but it also helps build the company's image, reduce costs, and optimize processes.
In this article, we will explain the concept of Green IT, showing how it is possible to adopt sustainability as one of your business policies. You will also see the impacts and benefits observed by companies that already adopted this model. Check it out!
What is Green IT?
Green IT, or green computing, is an information technology concept that aims to understand the best ways to use IT resources in an efficient and environmentally sustainable way.
Therefore, it contemplates changes in the behavior of organizations with the use of technology. Its focus is to strive for the implementation of sustainable procedures in companies.
Why has Green IT gained prominence in the market?
Environmental protection has been a concern for everyone: companies, consumers, and governments are looking for ways to promote positive changes in this regard.
Following this movement, Green IT emerged, functioning as a mechanism for promoting and implementing sustainability from the perspective of everyday life and of demands focused on information technology.
What are the impacts and benefits of Green IT?
The first, and probably one of the most important, is the environmental issue. Organizations need to assume their responsibility and understand the impact that their actions have on energy consumption and waste generation.
Consumers are already moving towards prioritizing brands that take a stand in favor of environmental protection. Therefore, there are two relevant impacts to be considered by managers.
As the search for environmentally responsible solutions grows — competitors are doing this —, and concern about the company's reputation and image also increases. Therefore, in addition to protecting the environment, Green IT includes initiatives that favor competitiveness.
Realize that impacts and benefits are correlated. Taking an ecological approach is, firstly, a need to care for the collective space, aiming to protect fauna and flora, and maintain a balanced environment.
However, in addition to this, there are several benefits from the point of view of management and business strategy. Below, we highlight the main ones:
- Strengthening the company's image in the consumer market;
- Improved positioning competitive with the competition;
- Helps promote the well-being of employees, favoring efficiency, productivity, agility, and general improvement in the quality of developed products and services provided;
- Favors financial management, as it helps to reduce costs.
The issue of costs can raise doubts, especially for those who have not yet put Green IT actions into practice. Therefore, we brought an example that can help clarify this point.
Imagine that today your company has an old IT infrastructure, with obsolete servers and equipment. These items take up more space, use more energy, and are not as efficient as the more modern options available on the market.
However, although the reformulation of the IT infrastructure has a cost for the company, it brings gains that favor the reduction of expenses in the medium and long term. And this should be part of long-lasting business planning.
New and environmentally efficient equipment helps to reduce expenses with corrective maintenance, favors the optimization of the use of spaces in addition to helping to improve the performance of software and systems, increasing employee productivity.
Why should companies implement Green IT?
Green IT is synonymous with environmental responsibility. When we talk about sustainability, we must think about the impact that business decisions have on people's lives, directly and indirectly.
Protecting the environment needs to be seen as a collective action, which depends on everyone, including business organizations. These are small changes, such as the use of green energy, for example, which generate positive results in the lives of many people.
Although it is difficult to see these results quickly, it is necessary to understand that actions are urgent. The effects of the measures adopted today will only be observed in the medium and long term.
In addition to the environmental ethical issue, some benefits can be easily perceived, such as reducing energy costs, gaining efficiency in activities, increasing productivity and even improving the quality of life and disposition of employees.
How to implement Green IT in your company?
There are a series of changes that can be implemented to initiate a more significant transformation in your business. Below, we highlight some steps aligned with the promotion of sustainability in the IT area. Check out:
- Invest in cloud solutions in addition to the positive environmental impact, your company benefits from productivity, cost reduction, and operational efficiency;< /span>
- Bet on paperless solutions using technology to reduce the need to store paper documents;
- Choose IT partners that are aligned with best environmental protection practices;
- Train and qualify your employees so that they behave in line with the culture you are building in the business;
- Choose computers, printers, equipment, and devices that are sustainable and energy efficient;
- Adopt practices aimed at reducing electricity consumption;
- Reform the company's equipment structure, replacing obsolete equipment, which promotes excessive energy expenditure;
- Bet on IT equipment rental;
- Promote electronic waste management practices, with recycling and good practices aimed at disposing of disused equipment;
- Prioritize device suppliers and brands that adopt Green IT and sustainability policies.
As you can see, Green IT is a relevant topic that needs to be included in company management agendas. Changes can be made gradually, the important thing is that sustainability is on the radar of your business initiatives.