Leader: Why tech must go green

There are a number of reasons why the IT industry must adopt a more environmentally friendly stance. Uppermost among them is the fact the laws in many countries will soon, if they do not already, dictate that it must.

Second is the fact that responsible organisations will increasingly be expected to demonstrate the kind of corporate and social responsibility (CSR) of which 'going green' is just the tip of the (melting) iceberg.

It doesn't mean we must become 'tree huggers' over night. Nor does it mean companies will find themselves severely out of pocket as a result.

There are sound economics behind this. As many celebrities would admit, supporting a good cause can be good for your image and consequently good for the bottom line.

Some of it is running to stand still - shareholders will be aware of boycott power and the effect of negative press - but some level of environmentalism will prove a differentiator, as customers with their own green procurement agenda and CSR boxes to tick sign up.

Last week we reported on the moves made by one large manufacturer of IT kit to ensure they are as green as green can be. The company admitted that recycling - which essentially means recovering expensive parts which can be profitably put to use again - and evangelising its green credentials has been a force for a positive up-spike in return on investment.

The effect of 'going green', if integrated with the business strategically, therefore need not also be a cost centre.

If, as Ricoh in that instance told us, you win even one major contract over a rival because of your environmental policy, the powers that be will start to sit up and take notice.

Furthermore, as customers begin to ask more questions about your green credentials it will prove beneficial to have answers.

And then there is the law.

The UK government has made a real hash of the implementation of environmental legislation to date but be sure that it is coming.

Environmentalism will no longer be a lifestyle choice - companies could be liable to huge penalties if they breach the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.

So the outcome will be the same: environmental compliance. It's the motives and the reasons which will make a difference.

Those companies that choose to react to legislation and see it as a cost of doing business will pay handsomely for a certificate to hang on the wall to ward off auditors.

Those that realise environmental policy can be incorporated seamlessly with a profitable and co-ordinated business will reap rewards on all fronts.