Asia's IT users have been slow to switch to more environmentally-friendly technology, according to new research.

The limited awareness of green IT products is costing the region's computer users at least $3.3bn a year in wasted electricity, say analysts from Springboard Research.

"As companies become more accurate in determining what percentage of energy costs are allocated to the IT department, you will see cost savings become the key driver of green IT investments," said Bob Hayward, Springboard's vice president of research.

"Computing devices have a significantly large and unrecognised carbon footprint. For example, an average-sized server has the same carbon footprint as a mid-sized sports utility vehicle getting 15 miles to the gallon."

Of the $5bn or more spent a year on electricity to power Asia's computers, more than 66 per cent is wasted running systems that are switched on, but not being used, according to Springboard.

IT electricity consumption in the region is divided roughly equally between large enterprises, consumers and smaller firms.

"While IT vendors are increasing their spending on green initiatives, IT end users still have little awareness of what green IT is and how it can help their businesses," said Anu Singh, a senior market analyst at Springboard.

"Many end users in Asia see green IT as just another additional cost and still need to be educated on how it can benefit their organisation.

"This is where we feel IT vendors have a big opportunity. Those that can educate end users on how to be green without increasing their costs, or even saving money, will differentiate themselves and gain increased market share and more brand equity in the eyes of customers."