Information and communication technologies firm Dimension Data says it will use technology to reduce its clients’ carbon footprint by 1.8 million tons more than the group itself produces, and prevent 4,000 tons of electronic waste from going to landfill.
This will save clients up to $2 billion dollars in energy and travel costs, reduce pollution, and conserve natural resources by 2018.
Colin Curtis, Dimension Data’s director of sustainability says the company’s research shows moving one server to the cloud typically saves 4,000 kWh of energy every year.
Another approach to reducing carbon emissions is using visual communications technology.
By allowing employees to have face-to-face communication using videoconferencing systems and immersive telepresence rooms reduces unnecessary travel. A typical unmanaged videoconferencing system will save almost 20,000 km in traveling distance per year. Dimension Data says its research shows greater adoption rates of an immersive telepresence room could save nearly 1 million kilometers per year.
However, companies struggle to maximize the potential benefits of their videoconferencing equipment. Common reasons include difficulty using the equipment, lack of timely support when issues arise, and the complexity of booking conferences. The company says its technology can help clients improve adoption of visual communications equipment, thus reducing travel expenses and carbon emissions.
In addition to cloud computing and visual communications, Dimension Data will continue to innovate with other services to help clients quantifiably reduce their carbon emissions. This includes data center virtualization, smart buildings and network energy management.
Dimension Data says it worked closely with Carbon Trust and Carbon Smart to define the targets and methodology for carbon reduction. Cisco contributed significantly to the methodology for reducing landfill from electronic waste.
A 2013 Verdantix report names Dimension Data as a leader in the global market for the design and implementation of IT systems that support energy and environmental management.
