Green IT is a mid to high level priority for 67 percent of organizations surveyed in a recent CompTIA study entitled Green IT: Insights and Opportunities. However, the study also found that demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of green initiatives is a difficult task for a majority (80%) of organizations.
"Some green IT purchases have longer payback periods," said Tim Herbert, vice president of research, CompTIA. "But the survey data suggests many organizations are willing to invest in greener IT products even when the return isn`t realized immediately."
According to the study, 60 percent of organizations have in place either a partial or comprehensive green IT strategy covering issues such as energy consumption, equipment usage, recycling, carbon footprint and green behaviors. Three in four organizations conduct ad hoc or annual audits to ensure proper e-waste recycling and disposal practices, and nearly as many (72%) conduct audits to assess their energy consumption/power management. Seventy-seven percent of organizations expect to have a comprehensive green IT strategy within the next five years, the study found.
The survey revealed a number of obstacles faced by organizations trying to go green. Challenges in implementing green IT initiatives include implementation cost (65%), a lack of resources (47%) and the difficulty of calculating the ROI of green initiatives (35%). One in five (19%) organizations have budget allocated specifically for green IT initiatives. Over the next two years, an additional 35 percent of organizations say they`re moving in that direction. Organizations with comprehensive green strategies are significantly less likely (38%) than those with partial (50%) or no green strategies (53%) to cite lack of resources as an implementation hurdle.
"Regulatory compliance issues and positive publicity may be driving interest in environmentally friendly IT products and services," said Herbert. "But having in place a dedicated or executive-level champion may also help drive adoption of environmentally friendly practices in the absence of a demonstrable return."
The study found that executive management (71%) is most likely in charge of setting green IT strategies, policies and practices. Twenty-one percent of organizations have a green compliance officer or other point of contact responsible for coordinating the firm`s green activities.
Green IT: Insights and Opportunities was fielded via an online survey instrument during the period Aug. 12 - 28, 2009. The survey was conducted among a sample of 400, mostly senior IT executives, working in a range of industries. The full report is available at no cost to CompTIA member companies. It can be accessed at CompTIA.org or contact research@comptia.org.
About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world`s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.
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