Sustainable IT
Confused about how enterprise IT can support sustainability? Read guides, tips and news on how to decarbonize and green IT, reduce e-waste, support circular economy principles, create more sustainable data centers and hold vendors responsible for net zero goals.
Top Stories
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Tip
08 Nov 2024
Projections and feasibility of data centers in space
Earth has a limited amount of land, and data centers occupy large amounts of it. Data centers in space would reduce land use and energy costs, while improving processing speeds. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2024
Solar shift: How data centers can embrace renewable energy
Demand for electricity calls for integration of renewable resources. Solar power provides data centers with energy independence, cost predictability and a sustainable power source. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2024
Growing AI energy use, tech workloads constrain IT
Speakers at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2024 warned of rising energy use and cost. Workarounds include acceleration; microgrids; and, eventually, emerging technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2024
Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions: Differences, with examples
With more companies tracking their carbon footprints, Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are under discussion. Discover what each is and the approaches to measure them. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
Sustainability and ESG glossary: 52 terms to know
Sustainable strategies require basic understanding of the fundamentals. Business leaders and IT teams can benefit from this list of essential sustainability terms and ESG concepts. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
In defense of a digital circular economy
Digital tech can potentially help companies follow the circular economy model, but critics point out possible issues as well, including continuing demand for plastics. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Oct 2024
How data analytics could improve sustainability
Organizational leaders can't just assess sustainability efforts by feel. Instead, using data and analysis is key. So why aren't more organizations using these? Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Oct 2024
Key elements of a carbon accounting software RFP
With so many carbon accounting software choices, buying teams may be overwhelmed. Start with this simplified guide to the software selection and RFP creation process. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2024
Hydrogen fuel cells advantages, disadvantages in data centers
Hydrogen fuel cells are sustainable energy sources that produce low to zero carbon emissions. Explore the pros and cons of hydrogen fuel use and the likelihood of its future use. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2024
Companies invest in climate technology to reduce emissions
Analyst firm GlobalData identified four major climate tech investments businesses are making now to reach 2030 carbon emission reduction goals. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Oct 2024
How digital twins can help support sustainability
Digital twin technology shows promise as a sustainability tool-- but it's no panacea. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Oct 2024
What is ESG (environmental, social and governance)?
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a framework used to assess an organization's business practices and performance on various sustainability and ethical issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Oct 2024
How companies can improve their carbon accounting practices
A growing number of stakeholders are asking for greenhouse gas emissions reporting as part of doing business. Learn about the challenges this poses and how to improve efforts. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2024
Generative AI energy consumption grows, but ROI role unclear
The energy costs of generative AI aren't front and center in enterprises' financial calculations. But industry consultants believe IT leaders should consider the power aspect. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2024
How to make a business case for sustainable IT
Enterprise technology can help support ESG goals. Learn why leaders shouldn't necessarily focus on that when seeking approval for a green IT project. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Sep 2024
Benioff: Self-driving taxis part of autonomous AI's 'moment'
With GenAI powering Salesforce's new autonomous CX agents and Waymo's fleet of self-driving taxis around San Francisco, AI is having a 'moment.' Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2024
How to find climate software jobs in software development
A career in climate tech can appeal to those who seek to tackle complex issues and are concerned about the planet. Here's how to find a job as a developer in climate tech. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2024
What is business sustainability?
Business sustainability, also known as corporate sustainability, is the management of environmental, social and financial concerns by a company to ensure responsible, ethical and ongoing success. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Sep 2024
What is IFS AB?
IFS AB (Industrial and Financial Systems) is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software vendor that specializes in asset-intensive, project-centric industries, such as manufacturing and distribution. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2024
How edge can help improve sustainability -- and how it can't
Edge computing can help support sustainability, but it has a negative environmental impact as well. Learn about the technology's benefits and challenges. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2024
18 sustainability management software providers to consider
Various software tools are available to help manage ESG and sustainability initiatives. Here's a look at 18 sustainability management vendors and their products. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2024
ESG strategy and management: A guide for businesses
ESG initiatives can help boost business success. This guide takes an in-depth look at creating and managing an ESG strategy to benefit a company and its various stakeholders. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2024
A timeline and history of ESG investing, rules and practices
Many events, trends and actions have influenced the development of corporate ESG strategies and ESG investing approaches. These are key milestones to know about. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2024
Explore underwater data centers' viability, sustainability
Tests off coastlines around the world are measuring the feasibility of underwater data centers. With proper maintenance and security, 40% of the population could use them. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2024
13 key ESG and sustainability trends, ideas for companies
From consumers to employees to investors, more people are choosing companies that prioritize environmental, social and governance concerns. Here are 13 ESG trends that matter. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2024
AI for ESG: Benefits, challenges and the CIO's role
The hype surrounding artificial intelligence has extended to its use in ESG. But, as in other areas, AI is no panacea. Learn how the tech can both help -- and hurt -- sustainability. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2024
ESG, SRI and impact investing: Key differences explained
Understanding the nuances of ESG investing, SRI and impact investing is important for companies and investors. Learn what they have in common and how they differ. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2024
CSRD explained: What U.S., other companies need to know
The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requires companies to report on a broad range of sustainability topics. Learn about its tenets, requirements and deadlines. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
automatic transfer switch (ATS)
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jul 2024
JetCool CEO on liquid cooling and the modern data center
In this Q&A, JetCool's CEO talks about the growing interest in liquid cooling and how it's being used to divert heat away from compute so that bigger workloads can run consistently. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2024
Cloud networking sustainability strategies yield benefits
As enterprises seek ways to reduce their environmental footprints, one popular way is to migrate on-premises networking infrastructure to third-party CSPs. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2024
CIO's green IT guide: Fusing technology and sustainability
Fusing sustainability objectives with IT development is complex. It requires strategy, cooperation and vision. Learn to successfully integrate green IT into operations here. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jun 2024
6 steps toward more sustainable supply chain practices
In the quest toward greater supply chain sustainability, leaders must get strategic about operations and take the long view. Here's what to do. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2024
SAP sustainability chief sees IT as net plus for environment
Sophia Mendelsohn talks about SAP's ambitions to both set an example of sustainability and be an enabler of it with products such as the vendor's new emissions calculator. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
lithium polymer battery (LiPo)
A lithium polymer battery is a rechargeable battery with a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2024
green IT (green information technology)
Green IT (green information technology) is the practice of creating and using environmentally sustainable computing resources. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Jun 2024
Dell Technologies World 2024 showcases AIOps, sustainability
Dell Technologies World 2024 showcased hardware advancements to support AI and served as a launch for Apex AIOps, a rebranded software suite emphasizing sustainability. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2024
Big tech invests billions in AI data centers globally
President Joe Biden throws his support behind Microsoft to build an AI data center in Racine, Wis., as big tech companies invest in AI infrastructure to compete. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2024
Top 7 ESG certifications and courses to consider
The best ESG and sustainability certification, workshop or course is the one that is right for you. Here are seven that work for a wide range of business and IT professionals. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2024
10 of the top carbon accounting software for 2024
Carbon accounting software can help organizations in their quest to meet environmental audit standards. Learn about some of the top software in this rapidly developing area. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2024
ESG audit vs. green IT audit: How are they different?
Companies often struggle with understanding how to start sustainability reporting. Learn the distinct roles ESG audits and green IT audits play in a complex reporting landscape. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
USB-C
USB-C, or Universal Serial Bus Type-C, is a standard connection type for mobile and portable devices. It provides a single reversible connector to transmit both power for charging and data for transfers. It is designed to replace all current USB types. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2024
Build a resilient network: What I learned from 5 thought leaders
At the 2024 'Strategies for a Resilient Network' summit, five thought leaders shared best practices to help you achieve optimal network resiliency. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2024
Green IT audit: What it is and how to prepare
A green IT audit uses standards to help companies understand the ways an organization's tech practices affect the environment. Here's a broad overview and some tips to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2024
A green IT assessment: Why it's important, what to include
A company's technology systems and devices can have a profound effect on sustainability efforts. Learn how a green IT assessment can uncover areas that need improvement. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2024
AI to boost sustainability if carbon costs are kept in check
AI has the potential to drive ESG goals and improve sustainability outcomes, but using the tech also creates considerable environmental cost with the amount of energy needed. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2024
How to handle environmental regulations and green networking
Green networking is achievable if network managers ensure devices and supporting systems are energy-efficient and comply with established environmental regulations. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2024
Blueprint for IT sustainability: Insights from top experts
Leading experts share insights on sustainable IT, covering green cloud computing, ESG compliance and innovative practices for reducing the ecological footprint in IT. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2024
Generative AI emerges as sustainability opportunity
Generative AI can be a useful tool for helping business leaders achieve climate and sustainability goals. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2024
6 sustainability reporting data tips for IT
Data overload presents a real challenge to ESG reporting. But with the right practices, IT teams can streamline their collection processes and help ensure sustainability success. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2024
Key sustainability communications strategies for businesses
Sustainability communications are key to reaching lowered carbon emissions and other environmental goals. Learn practices that help improve outcomes and ways to avoid greenwashing. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Mar 2024
Managing and predicting wildfires with machine learning
CTO Guy Bayes shares his experience developing AI software to predict and manage wildfires at startup Vibrant Planet and offers tips for getting started in climate tech. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2024
Web3 and sustainability: Benefits and risks
The Web 3.0 concept presents major advances to the World Wide Web, but the tech that underpins it also has environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and e-waste. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2024
5 ways to reduce an organization's digital carbon footprint
From optimizing video conferences to minimizing unnecessary data storage, learn practical strategies that can help shrink an organization's digital carbon footprint. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
Sustainability benefits of cloud computing data centers
Cloud computing data centers use large amounts of electricity, but a main sustainability benefit is the cloud's large scale and ability to store more data. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
4 data center trends to watch in 2024
With rising demand for data space, companies must plan to expand their data centers in an eco-friendly way. 2024 data center trends have one main focus: sustainability. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Feb 2024
embodied carbon
Embodied carbon is the measurable greenhouse gas emissions of an infrastructure's entire construction, maintenance and demolition processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jan 2024
turbine
A turbine is a machine that plays a key role in transforming fluid or air energy into usable work or electricity. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
17 Jan 2024
How to shrink your IT carbon footprint and why it matters
Organizations are shifting IT priorities toward efficient resource consumption. Learn how strategies prioritizing sustainability can enhance a company's competitive advantage. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2024
How to manage data center water usage sustainably
Data centers use large amounts of water to maintain equipment. This consumption is causing water pollution and scarcity. Companies must start to release consumption reports. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jan 2024
How to recycle mobile phones in the enterprise
Mobile device disposal requires careful planning. IT teams must learn how to recycle mobile phones to keep e-waste out of landfills and enterprise data out of the wrong hands. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2024
How to securely recycle enterprise computers
No matter how an organization wants to retire a device when it reaches its end of life, IT must first ensure that any sensitive data on it has been properly destroyed. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jan 2024
dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS)
Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is the adjustment of power and speed settings on a computing device's various processors, controller chips and peripheral devices to optimize resource allotment for tasks and maximize power saving when those resources are not needed. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2023
Green IT needs business buy-in for success
In this Q&A, Faith Taylor of Kyndryl explains why sustainability efforts must combine business growth with concrete emissions reporting to meet net zero targets. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2023
Why businesses should recycle enterprise devices
Sustainability should be a consideration at every stage of the device lifecycle, and this doesn't stop at device retirement. Recycling enterprise devices offers several benefits. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Dec 2023
greenhouse gas
A greenhouse gas lets the sun's rays warm the Earth's surface but restricts the heat from escaping into space. Specifically, these gases absorb infrared radiation from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere and release it. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2023
Use the data center circular economy for sustainability
Building data center servers and hardware requires use of many of Earth's nonrenewable resources. Data center owners must adopt the circular economy system for sustainability. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2023
Dell PowerMaxOS 10.1 targets operational, energy efficiency
The latest Dell PowerMaxOS update brings greater data reduction and power usage monitoring to its top-of-the-line storage array. The update also keyed in on cyber-resilience. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2023
solar power
Solar power is a renewable form of energy harvested from the sun for the purpose of producing electricity or thermal energy (heat). Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2023
How machine learning can combat climate change
Machine learning can produce sustainability insights and help plan effective climate action. But researchers face challenges around data, compute and AI's own environmental impact. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Sep 2023
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is a legislative act that the European Union adopted to address the growing amounts of e-waste that come from electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) at the end of its life. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2023
Assessing the environmental impact of large language models
Large language models like ChatGPT consume massive amounts of energy and water during training and after deployment. Learn how to understand and reduce their environmental impact. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
Toward justice and sustainability in the tech industry
In this excerpt from his book 'Insolvent,' author and professor Christoph Becker outlines why and how to reorient the tech sector toward social justice and sustainability. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
Designing systems that reduce the environmental impact of AI
Understanding AI's full climate impact means looking past model training to real-world usage, but developers can take tangible steps to improve efficiency and monitor emissions. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
The role of tech in climate change and climate justice
In this interview, Insolvent author Christoph Becker discusses tech's complex effects on climate and society and the need to center social justice and sustainability in computing. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2023
Hitachi Energy-Google Cloud make energy data accessible
Hitachi Energy Velocity Suite Power Prices is now available on Google Cloud Marketplace, enabling access to energy data that can help with power consumption. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Aug 2023
Are wireless networks more energy-efficient than wired LANs?
The quick, complicated answer is yes and no. Wireless can be more energy-efficient than wired, but businesses need to weigh several variables to reap energy savings. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2023
How to modernize networks with sustainability in mind
A network modernization project is a good time to consider sustainability initiatives, such as using energy-efficient devices and renewable energy sources. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Aug 2023
HPE advances ambitious sustainability goals
From an accelerated net-zero goal to an enhanced portfolio of sustainable IT offerings, HPE shares updates from the company's latest Living Progress report. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
power factor correction (PFC)
Power factor correction (PFC) is the set of mechanisms built into a power supply circuit to raise the power factor (PF). Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Aug 2023
carbon accounting
Carbon accounting is the process of calculating and tracking the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions both produced and removed from the biosphere by an organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2023
Experts talk impact, challenges of AI and emerging tech
Companies must consider many risks as AI and other emerging technologies evolve at a rapid pace. In this interview excerpt, experts discuss the societal and environmental effects. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2023
Data center heat reuse: How to make the most of excess heat
Data center heat doesn't need to go to waste. As part of a sustainability strategy, explore ways to put the heat your data center produces to work, and consider heat reuse. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2023
e-waste
Electronic waste, also known as end-of-life (EOL) electronics or e-waste, refers to discarded, recycled or refurbished electrical and electronic products. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jul 2023
Weigh video conferencing sustainability benefits and challenges
Video conferencing sustainability is about more than reducing travel. Learn the role video technology can play in ESG goals, as well as potential environmental drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2023
6 reasons legacy systems are still in use
Staying with tried-and-true legacy systems can feel like the safest route. But as the world changes at a dizzying pace, IT leaders might want to reconsider that strategy. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jun 2023
milliampere-hour (mAh)
A milliampere-hour (mAh) is one-thousandth of an ampere hour (Ah), which can also be written as 1 mAh = 0.001 Ah. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jun 2023
4 PC lifecycle management best practices
There isn't a perfect PC lifecycle plan for all organizations, so IT teams and management should ask themselves these four questions to shape their PC policy. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2023
New Cisco tools aim to enable green networks, data centers
At Cisco Live 2023, Cisco unveiled new products and updates to its portfolio to help organizations create sustainable data center networks as they modernize their infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2023
Strategies to work toward data center decarbonization
Global temperatures are rising, and organizations can do their part by decarbonizing their data centers. Examine ways to cut back on data center carbon emissions. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2023
procurement plan
A procurement plan -- also called a procurement management plan -- is a document that is used to manage the process of finding and selecting a vendor. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2023
HPE adds environmental reporting dashboard to GreenLake
A new dashboard for HPE's GreenLake tracks a company's carbon emissions and energy use. But ESG experts warn the lack of standardization opens the market up to greenwashing. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
agri-tech
Agri-tech, sometimes ag-tech, agtech or digital agriculture, is the application of technology and digital tools to farming. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2023
Best practices for a PC end-of-life policy
Organizations that deploy PCs need a strong and clear policy to handle hardware maintenance, end of life decisions, sustainable disposal practices and more. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Jun 2023
Sustainability highlights from Dell Technologies World 2023
At Dell Technologies World 2023, company reps discussed sustainability and showed some areas where the company has advanced. But making progress is no straightforward journey. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2023
7 key benefits of enacting a BYOD policy
While some benefits of a BYOD program are obvious, such as allowing users to only carry one endpoint, other benefits are worth exploring, such as lowering corporate emissions. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 May 2023
Differences between Green Globes vs. LEED for data centers
Consider Green Globes and LEED certifications when building green data centers. Learn the differences in how the assessments are done, the costs and documentation needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2023
load shedding
Load shedding (loadshedding) is a way to distribute demand for electrical power across multiple power sources. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2023
Navigate Energy Star data center standard and certification
Organizations can use the Energy Star data center standard and certified assets to be more energy efficient. Consider Energy Star certification to preserve capital and save energy. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2023
watt
A watt (symbolized W) is the standard unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI). It is derived from the SI base units kilogram (kg), meter (m) and second (s), all of which are constructed from the standard's defining constants. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 May 2023
Calculating sustainability and emissions for VDI and DaaS
Though VDI and DaaS are both desktop virtualization services, their sustainability can differ significantly, so business leaders should learn how to calculate their emissions. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2023
Where climate change and cyber attacks intersect
One session at RSA Conference 2023 focused on climate change -- a topic that is not commonly featured during cybersecurity conversations, but should be. Continue Reading