About 28 percent of major companies are implementing a comprehensive plan for green IT practices and technologies, part of a rising trend, according to a new study by Forrester Research Inc.
That’s up from 25 percent in April of 2009 and October of 2008, and 20 percent in April of 2008.
Companies that say they have do not have such a plan say there are a variety of reasons.
About 59 percent say there are too many competing priorities. Another 40 percent state that there is no clearly defined ownership of green initiatives within their organizations. Another 29 percent say there is no clear business case or ROI for adopting green IT.
Among firms adopting green IT plans, most (66 percent) say one of the top three motivating factors is reducing energy expenses. About 42 percent say they have done so in order to reduce IT operating expenses, and 34 percent said they did it because it’s the right thing for the environment.
The technology to help companies adopt more green IT practices is on the way.
The Department of Energy recently awarded $47 million in grants to companies such as Yahoo, HP and IBM to foster improvements in data center energy efficiency. The goal of the grants is to spur innovation.