There is a lot of discussion about Green IT, and there is a reason for it. According to the "Smart 2020: Enabling the low carbon economy in the information age" report from GSI and The Climate Group, "In 2007, the total footprint of the ICT sector - including personal computers, telecoms networks and devices and data centers - was 830MtCO₂e, about 2% of the estimated total emissions from human activities released that year. "  

The same report points out that "ICT could reduce global carbon emissions by 7.8GtCO₂e by 2020, an amount five times larger than its own carbon footprint."  

It is wise to continue reducing the carbon footprint of our IT equipment, but we should in no way reduce the use of this equipment in its capability to help diminish the human carbon footprint. This is why we are complementing our Green IT focus with a Green Business approach. We call it "project 98", in reference to the 98% of greenhouse gas emissions that are not originating from the use of ICT.

To thank you for being a regular reader, I want to make you an offer. If you are interested in this area and want to learn more about it, you have the opportunity to get a copy of the HP limited edition of the "Green IT for Dummies" guide.  Obviously, the book is in electronic format, only print it if absolutely needed.

The European Community is also increasing its focus around using ICT to enable the low carbon economy. The EU stated that these technologies can reduce total carbon emissions in Europe by up to 15% by the year 2020. For the ones who are interested, the full report is available here.  DigitalEurope, representing the ICT industry, reacted two weeks ago on the EC's communication in this area by issuing a statement.

The EU initiative focuses on three areas, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption, the diversification of sources of fossil fuels used in the EU and the better management and development of gas and electricity markets. The manufacturing and supply chain space does not seem to be part of the current initiative unfortunately, although they state that ICT enabled systems can reduce carbon emissions in transport logistics by up to 27%.

Road transport in Europe is expected to increase by 50% by the year 2020, and double by 2050 according to IHS engineering. Well, when traveling from Antwerp to Rotterdam, two out of the three lanes of the motorway are already blocked by trucks. So, an increase of this magnitude will grind road transport to a halt, which will force other means of transport upon us. Want to be smart? Maybe it is time now to start experimenting with those and avoid being trapped in the congestions.