Manda Banda is Lynchpin Media ’ s Deputy Managing Editor and Editor of Intelligent CIO Middle East and Intelligent CIO Africa .

Organisations not only in MEA but also around the world are embracing green IT initiatives with open arms . Statistics have shown that more than 70 % of the customers prefer to associate themselves with corporations that support and promote green practices and social causes . With the rise in technological advancements it has become simpler to reduce , reuse and recycle materials in order to promote environment protection . Energy conservation through incorporation of LED lights and other steps to reduce a company ’ s carbon footprint have made them more prone to succeed in the market due to their favourable corporate practices . These green practices have also enabled companies to save money and earn more publicity in terms of positive word of mouth .

Organisations not only in MEA but also around the world are embracing green IT initiatives with open arms . Statistics have shown that more than 70 % of the customers prefer to associate themselves with corporations that support and promote green practices and social causes .

The level of awareness among channel

partners in terms of green IT initiatives is high

and encouraging . Statistics have shown that at

least one in every five companies have applied

green initiatives in their day-to-day functions

and more than 40 % of the companies have

displayed interest in including these initiatives

in the near future . The advantages of a green

approach for a channel partner or the enduser

customer are very crucial in building the

goodwill and maintaining a strong relationship

with the people present in the environment

around the business .

For the men and women working in the MEA channel , a crucial element of organisational success is corporate social responsibility ( CSR ) and it enlists not only promoting positive engagement with the community around the business , but also maintaining a sustainable growth and development for the firm . By embracing green IT initiatives , channel organisations are ensuring that they promote a positive and sustainable approach to usage of technological advancements and portray an environment friendly front towards optimal and ethical business practices .

Given that major industries that have shown successful and remarkable strides in promoting green initiatives , it comes as no surprise that this phenomenon has seen small and medium businesses ( SMBs ) at the forefront of being dynamic in adopting green technologies . In fact , the efforts SMBs are making have paved and opened the way for many smaller companies to adopt green technologies and other sustainable business practices in MEA .

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