14 DAY TRIAL // There are many things flying wildly on the Web about the green computing nowadays. As a general rule, because no standardization exists yet, they do more in the way of confusing users and hardware vendors, than in the way of helping reduce pollution. This is one of the main causes that led to the forming of a computer users and vendors group, those main goal is to publish a clear list of the best practices for a sustainable IT industry.
"Currently, the advice available to IT directors and CIOs comes from technology vendors," said Trewin Restorick, chairman of the Environmental IT Leadership Team (EITLT), explaining why the new group is needed and was cited by the computer related news site ComputerWorld. "Although the intentions are good, the advice can be sometimes confusing and contradictory." The EITLT was set up by environmental charity Global Action Plan (GAP), which describes itself as focusing on practical action for a better world, and is being sponsored by service provider Logicalis Group. The EITLT has a dedicated program manager provided by GAP, and Restorick is director of GAP. The eight member group will consider the best course of action in directing research into the IT's environmental impact.
"This green IT team will provide a forum to review vendors' advice and government policy, cutting through the techie and political jargon to give practical advice for creating a sustainable IT structure," said Restorick. "The team will help peers put carbon-reduction policies into practice and greatly reduce their environmental impact."
Restorick also said that in many IT companies there is a tendency in ignoring the firm's own IT personell, when it comes to green computing despite the fact that the growth of a more environmentally friendly computer industry has been encouraged. Unlike several other environment centered organization like "Greenpeace" and "Friends of the Earth ", the British green computer users look forward in working with the IT industry and not against it. "The direction of the leadership team will be shaped by the evolving challenges and concerns that CIOs face, as the IT department becomes the focus of carbon-reduction strategies for many [midsize] to large organizations," said Restorick. "I am confident that through debate, research and discussion, we can have a powerful impact on the way IT is purchased and implemented in the future."