While working for a blue chip company over a decade ago, the team developed a number of consultative artefacts specifically aimed at helping clients improve their energy efficiency and to reduce the carbon footprint of their compute estate. A number of engagements were completed and delivered to clients. Over the preceding 10 years the energy efficiency studies were further developed by the members of the British Computer Society Green IT elective group.

Although the original business cases associated with developing an energy efficiency strategy were cost positive, based upon reduced energy consumption associated with changes delivered. The overall energy bill relative to a large transformation programme tended to be quite small. IT projects predominantly focus on fixing business problems, delivering new functionality or mitigating risk. Although carbon reduction was felt to be important to stakeholders based on their individual feeling about doing the right thing, the more immediate business requirements had to take priority.

The big change we have seen since 2015 is a global effort to combat Climate Change. Energy efficiency has therefore become much more important as we transform from fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewables. Energy sources reliant on fossil fuels such as auto and heating now must be delivered from alternative sources for example wind, solar or nuclear. We are already seeing an increase in electricity demand as we begin moving along the pathway.

It is essential we improve the efficiency of our energy consumption and United Nation’s research believes a fourfold increase in energy efficiency is required by 2050. Combating climate change is now driving requirements for improved energy efficiency.

The artefacts we have developed will support organisations in a reduction of their carbon footprint.

ICT can enable a 20% reduction of global CO2e emissions by 2030, holding emissions at 2015
levels. This means we can potentially avoid the tradeoff between economic prosperity and environmental – GESI Smarter 2030 Plan
protection.