Green IT can have a significant impact on an reducing an organisation's carbon footprint as well as saving money, a business forum at New College Swindon heard.
The event, hosted by Fast Forward, the College’s professional training division, attracted businesses from across Swindon.
Author and Green IT advocate Mark O’Neill spoke about the first formally-accredited training course for Green IT - the Foundation Certificate in Green IT - which he is responsible for creating with Swindon-based British Computer Society (BCS).
He also gave practical, everyday tips on how businesses and individuals can reduce their electricity consumption as well as advice on larger Green IT solutions. He also pointed out the fact that many disused computers from British firms end up in developing nations where they are dismantled by child labour working in appalling and hazardous conditions.
New College is also paving the way in ‘being green’ and working in partnership with a consortium of colleges, including Exeter College and Weymouth College, on a new Lean Green IT Machine initiative, supported by LSIS (The Learning and Skills Improvement Service)
This new initiative aims to help Further Education colleges share their knowledge in Green IT with the local business community. Not only will this result in money saved on IT and related energy costs at a time when businesses are under pressure to cut back, but it will ensure that the impact of IT on the environment is minimised.
The event, which also looked at how to grow your own talent with an apprentice, was the second in a series of Fast Forward forums.
New College apprentice Daniel Knapp from Aligra Personnel was on hand to provide delegates with a first-hand account of life as an apprentice, and the benefits of the scheme to both the employer and the employee.
New College principal Graham Taylor said: “We are delighted with the success of the Lean Green Business Forum. We hope all the delegates came away with practical advice and inspiration on how they can continue to improve their businesses with Green IT and apprentice initiatives.”
