There are some simple things we can do, such as making sure we switch off the lights at night (and if not needed during the day) and also switching all the computers off at the mains (all those little lights use up energy). This not only helps save the planet but also reduces our costs!

But how many of us do check that everything is switched off, or ensure there is a sign reminding the last person out to check?

Try to make it a habit...

I will post up some tips and things aimed at businesses as I find them, but another idea on this is around buying the right company cars (or encouraging our staff to purchase the right cars).

You can use the following link to get an idea about the carbon footprint of different cars (amongst other things):

With help from you, we can reduce CO2 | ACT ON C02

__________________
Dr Stephanie Morgan
Crosslight Management
www.crosslight.co.uk

How many of us switch our computers off if we are going away from our desks for a few hours?

For the sake of a few minutes, switching off (including at the plug) could make a difference over time.

So next time you are going out for a long meeting - think about switching off the computers (and if there is no one else in the office, the lights too).

kind regards
Stephanie

__________________
Dr Stephanie Morgan
Crosslight Management
www.crosslight.co.uk

Next tip:

Choose technology based on green credentials!

Recent research suggests that servers and computers are very heavy on usage (the average server apparently has the same carbon footprint as an SUV!) It is suggested that companies need to develop specific policies that mandate eco-efficient purchasing and management.

You can read more about it here:

Energising the Green IT debate

__________________
Dr Stephanie Morgan
Crosslight Management
www.crosslight.co.uk

A recent conference 'Effective IT Summit 2008' included a discussion by Suzanne Pahlman, WWW/HP project leader, where she argued that the IT sector has a fundamental role to play in providing low carbon products and looking at the potential CO2 reduction from their services. She suggests IT companies need to think bigger, aiming for 50% type reductions not 2%.

I agree with most of her comments but I do think that these companies will only really move if they feel there is demand - so it's up to us guys!

See Information Age | business technology for IT professionals for further information about the summit (see the link also about energising the green it debate on their front page).

kind regards
Stephanie

__________________
Dr Stephanie Morgan
Crosslight Management
www.crosslight.co.uk

it should be easier to use power saving measures without compromising networks - we tend to leave things powered up too much just to avoid networking and back up headaches