IT ‘will be key in cutting energy use’

Web hosting users could have a big part to play in helping with the environment in the future and it has been suggested that IT will be key in helping organisations cut energy use in their buildings.

Nick Robinson, technical operation lead at networking and communications technology and services company Cisco, explained that IT will be crucial in assisting companies in their measurement of energy use in particular.

Integrating IT with building management systems will "have a massive impact on how buildings consume energy", he said. This could be vital to a firm’s position on the league table that is set to be introduced as part of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (formerly known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment). The annual performance league table will rank participants on their efficiency performance.

"If you are advertising yourself as being a green business or organisation, you don’t want to be appearing at the bottom of that list," Mr Robinson warned.

"This technology is here today. It will have a massive impact on how buildings consume energy," he added.

He was making his comments at Green IT Expo 2009, a sustainable computing event held at the Barbican Exhibition Centre in London. It included complementary seminars, supplier briefings and experience-sharing opportunities.

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is designed to raise awareness in big organisations, particularly at senior level, and encourage changes in behaviour as well as infrastructure. It will be run as a cap and trade mechanism, providing financial incentives to companies to cut their energy output by placing a price on carbon emissions from use.

Money raised through the allowances will be given back to participants, depending on how well they perform.

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills recently announced the shortlist for their iawards, featuring an energy and environment category. AlertMe, AMEE UK and Siemens Mobility, Traffic Solutions are up for the accolade.

Written by Sarah Woolf.