ICT helps reduce carbon emissions

IDC report highlights potential 25% carbon emission reduction through ICT

ICT is a critical enabler of the low-carbon economy. This is according to the IDC’s recent ICT Sustainability Index, released in Copenhagen late last year. The report, sponsored by Intel, Fujitsu, Hitachi, HP and Schneider Electric, revealed that Information Technology can dramatically reduce carbon emissions – up to 25%.

“Intel sees tremendous potential in ITs role for reducing carbon emissions,” says Videsha Proothveerajh, Country Manager of Intel South Africa. “The report released by the IDC quantifies ICT’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and how technology can assist the G20 countries in meeting their carbon targets.”

Intel remains committed to continuing to drive Moore’s law. “We are substantially improving the performance of our processors per watt, with each new generation,” says Proothveerajh. Intel recently launched the 2010 family of Core processors. “The Intel Core family for example has power-saving techniques like the one Intel calls “hurry up and get idle” or ‘HUGI’, which enable processors to finish tasks quickly, while preserving battery life,” she says. “This allows for energy savings whilst still performing at optimum levels.”

The processor in Intel’s vPro technology can provide over 90% faster performance when multitasking and over 90% faster performance on compute-intensive apps.  “At the same time, their great energy efficiency enables smaller, quieter systems and delivers great battery life for mobile PCs,” adds Proothveerajh.

“Not only is Intel committed to improving our own efficiencies as a player in the ICT sector, we are committed to the continued development of energy-efficient products and services for our customers,” says Proothveerajh.

According to the IDC ICT Sustainability Index, South Africa is currently ranked 19th among the G20 countries. “The responsibility to mitigate climate change lies with all of us,” says Proothveerajh. “At Intel we do believe governments need to implement policies that stimulate and unleash the full potential of Innovation to tackle climate change,” She adds that that ultimately industries need to make a commitment to changing their ways.  “It is time to facilitate the development and uptake of smart technologies to ensure the efficiencies offered by IT can be realized,” she concludes.