24 Nov 2008

Virtual solutions have 'key role' in cutting emissions

Businesses which adopt virtualised communications solutions will be playing an important role in tackling climate change, a report has suggested.

Many firms are reluctant to introduce teleworking opportunities for their employees, according to ITWorld, but a recent report has suggested that mobile working could improve an organisation's environmental performance.

The Climate Group's Smart2020 study predicated that an equivalent of 260 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide would be saved each year by improved use of digital media, dematerialisation and teleworking.

Companies whose employees operate from home at least three days a week would generate the greatest cost savings.

Videoconferencing and teleconferencing also have the potential to replace between five and 20 per cent of global business travel.

Although the IT industry accounts for just two per cent of carbon emissions worldwide, solutions devised by the technology sector cold have a dramatic impact on assisting the other 98 per cent to achieving a better environmental performance, the study suggested.

The Climate Group's report was on behalf of the Global e-Sustainability Initiative, which was set up in 2001 and is partners with the United Nations Environment Programme.