What is Green IT and why should we care? aliki_artemis_greenit_ebook | Page 2

Green IT aims to minimize the negative impact of IT
operations
on
the
environment
by
designing,
manufacturing, operating and disposing of computers and
computer-related products in an environmentally-friendly
manner. The motives behind green IT practices include
reducing the use of hazardous materials, maximizing
energy efficiency during the product's lifetime and
promoting the biodegradability of unused and outdated
products.
The concept of green IT emerged in 1992 when the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency launched Energy Star, a
voluntary labeling program that helps organizations save
money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying
products that offer superior energy efficiency. Other
components of green IT includes the redesign of data
centers and the growing popularity of virtualization, green
networking and cloud computing.