IT user group to clarify green computing

The inaugural meeting of the UK's first end-user Environmental IT Leadership Team (EILT) takes place this week in central London.

The team will led by environmental charity Global Action Plan, and sponsored by IT integration company Logicalis. 

EILT aims to create an independent expert user group focused solely on exploring and publishing best practice sustainable IT strategies.

The group will question political, industry, technology and expert witnesses, and commission independent research into specific areas of concern such as data centres, information growth and legislation.

"Advice available to IT directors and chief information officers currently comes from technology vendors," said Trewin Restorick, director of Global Action Plan and chairman of the EILT.

"Although the intentions are good, the advice can sometimes be confusing and contradictory.

"This green IT team will provide a forum to review vendors' advice and government policy, cutting through the technical and political jargon to give practical advice for creating a sustainable IT structure."

The team claimed that will help put carbon reduction policies into practice and greatly reduce their environmental impact.

"The remit and the direction of the leadership team will be shaped by the evolving challenges and concerns that CIOs face, as the IT department becomes the focus of carbon reduction strategies for many mid to large organisations," said Restorick.

"I am confident that, through debate, research and discussion, we can have a powerful impact on the way IT is purchased and implemented in the future."

Companies which have already signed up to the group include the British Medical Association, Sony, John Lewis, E.ON UK, the University of Cumbria and Lloyds TSB.

Peter Ainsworth, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, has also given his support.

"The role of IT in all our lives is set to continue growing rapidly, and it is essential to develop a better understanding of its impact on climate change and the use of natural resources, in order to minimise it," he said.

The group will meet every three months supported by a dedicated programme manager from Global Action Plan.