Climate change is one issue that will not go away.  As our nation comes to grips with the implications of global warming, technology has the potential to be a major part of the solution to our CO2 challenges. 

The information and communication technology (ICT) industry is leading the way in the fight against climate change, by developing energy efficient products and clean technologies, by providing useful metrics and information, and also by enabling population decentralisation and large-scale telecommuting.

While the benefits of technology are far-reaching, we must also look for ways to reduce the amount of energy required to keep our technological devices functioning and our potential impact on the environment through e-waste.

Globally, the ICT industry generates 2 per cent of the world's carbon emissions, according to research by Gartner.

Australia's carbon emissions total 522.2 million tonnes per year. Of that, 7.94 million tonnes comes from ICT use by Australian businesses, according to a study released recently by the Australian Computer Society.

Those emissions are equivalent to those generated by the aviation industry, and come from technology such as PCs, servers, air-conditioning, mobile phones and printers.

So what is our industry doing to clear the air?

A large number of high technology companies have already adopted the mantra ‘corporate responsibility starts from home’.  For instance, Fuji Xerox relocated its Canberra branch to a new environmentally friendly site in 2006.  The facility was designed with energy and water savings initiatives in mind.  During the first year of operation, Fuji Xerox estimates that it prevented around 150 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions being released into the atmosphere; and water saving measures have already reduced the company’s water usage by more than 40,000 litres - enough to fill an average private pool.

Beyond their own back yards, ICT enterprises are finding creative ways to cut emissions.  For instance, in mid-September, EDS outlined plans to reduce its customers’ carbon dioxide emissions from technology-related services by up to 40 per cent.

One of EDS’ initiatives is to consolidate its clients’ data centres.  These data centres house mission-critical systems such as a bank’s customer records, and can typically use 500 watts of energy per square metre, compared with about 20 watts for an open-plan office, because of the computers and air-conditioning required to cool the hardware.  By consolidating data centres, EDS is sometimes eliminating whole buildings and tons of carbon dioxide.

In another outstanding example of sustainable practices, in 2006 IBM Australia recycled 98 per cent of over 150 metric tonnes of the machines scrapped at end of lease and from its operations in Australia, a 9 per cent increase on 2005.

And when it comes to e-waste, IBM is not alone.  In September, a consortium of ICT companies (Apple, Canon, Dell, Epson, Fujitsu, Fuji-Xerox, HP, IBM, Lenovo, and Lexmark) together with AIIA and Sustainability Victoria launched Byteback, which aims to keep unwanted equipment out of landfill and recover materials through environmentally responsible recycling.

Consumers and small businesses can take their unwanted computer equipment to any one of nine sites around Victoria and dispose of it in a responsible way.  The service is free to the community, as industry partners cover the cost of transporting and recycling their branded equipment. 

Byteback is an Australian first because of its co-operative nature, and learnings from Byteback will help the industry prepare for a national approach to disposing of computer equipment responsibly.  AIIA is already in advanced talks with other major players to join the founding partners and we are actively encouraging other industry members to participate.

As we see increasing social and political pressure on businesses to become more environmentally responsible, it’s important that we support businesses as they develop long-term strategies for a sustainable future.

On 18 October, AIIA will host a ‘Sustainable Futures Forum’ in Melbourne to explore how ICT can solve the world’s environmental challenges and help enterprises become environmentally sustainable.

You’ll find more information about this one-day conference at: www.aiiaconference.com.au

Join us to find out what some of Australia’s leading ICT vendors are doing to ensure we all have a greener footprint.

Sheryle Moon
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Information Industry Association

Information technology (IT) enabled collaboration is becoming increasingly important to sustain competitive advantage in modern organisations.

AIIA is proud to host Competing in the executive innovation stakes on Thursday 1 November in Sydney.

Innovation and business regeneration are now integral to all businesses, but particularly in the fast-paced ICT industry.

Taking your business to the next level depends on more than developing and implementing a strategy, but on executing your ideas faster and more successfully than your competitors.

AIIA is proud to host Experience isn't what it used to be: finding and growing the talent you need on Thursday 1 November in Sydney.

Finding the talent you need is not easy.

And nurturing your people to develop a sustainable advantage is even harder.

Effective executives and managers are the differentiators in business performance, but the competition for talent is fierce.

Register now for FITT’s annual networking evening on Tuesday, 23 October at Hudson’s spectacular CBD venue!

Places are limited and you won’t want to miss hearing Dr Annie Stewart, an executive and career management coach from Sympatico Coaching Practice, share how you can combine your passions and talents to turn your dream career from possibility to reality. Stephanie Heasman, a senior manager from Hudson talks about the emerging trends and opportunities in IT careers and what employers look for in prospective employees.

Hudson is delighted to offer the lucky door prize winner a tailored career review and coaching program with an experienced Hudson coach. Six hours of one-to-one coaching using Hudson's innovative online program to help you identify and achieve your key career and performance goals. Value $2,500. Plus, purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of these fabulous prizes generously donated by our sponsors:

• Products from Communications expert Candy Tymson’s Communication Pack: Don’t Just Stand There – STAND OUT! 5 audio CD pack valued at $129.00 plus sensational books and CDs valued at up to $39.00 each! 
• Must have books and CDs from networking expert Robyn Henderson!
• A Networking Women’s Pamper Pack, including a haircut and blow dry and 1-hour massage!

The Australian Computer Society is hosting the 2007 Federal Election Panel Discussion on Friday 5 Oct at the Westin Sydney. 

This breakfast event is entitled Australia - The Next Wave or Just A Backwater?, featuring Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts and Senator Stephen Conroy, Shadow Minster for Communications & Information Technology.  More information and registration online.

Waugh Partners is hosting a "Meet the Open Source Industry" breakfast event in every capital city around Australia, where you'll hear about the value of Open Source, meet the local industry vendors in each city, and hear about the Open Source Industry and Community Census - the biggest ever research project into the dynamics and metrics of the industry and community behind Open Source in Australia.

The event is a breakfast event with time for networking afterwards. Please click through to RSVP to the event in your city.