When we use our computer, we make an impact on the global climate. The use of computers and other IT equipment accounts for up to two per cent of total CO2 emissions. However, the potential for environmental gains resulting from IT use is far greater. This is the background for my announcement in the summer of 2007 that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation would develop an Action Plan for Green IT.
Green IT can help reduce energy consumption by reducing IT-related energy consumption and promoting innovative IT solutions for reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In other words, IT might be part of the global environmental problem, but it is also part of the solution.
The Action Plan contains a number of initiatives, each of which can make their own contribution to strengthening efforts in relation to Green IT. At the same time, the Action Plan aims at making an impact on the debate and promoting Danish Green IT technology. That is good for the environment and good for Denmark.
I hope that the Action Plan will have an impact on the opinions of everyone who reads it. Ordinary citizens, companies and authorities alike must become accustomed to not just thinking in terms of best and cheapest when purchasing and using IT. We must also think in terms of what is sustainable. This Action Plan is a large and important step in this direction.
The global environmental problems can only be solved if all sectors in society contribute with initiatives aimed at meeting these challenges.
Helge Sander
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
This page forms part of the publication 'Action Plan for Green IT in Denmark' as preface
Version 1.0. 03-06-2008
© National IT- and Telecom Agency 2008