Green IT readiness - A conceptual framework for sustainable IT

The purpose of writing this paper is twofold. Firstly, the goal is to establish a sound understanding on the role of Green IT in leveraging IT by analysing ‘Green IT elements’. Second is to determine the ‘Green IT Readiness –levels’, which mean companies’ understanding in integrating environmental viewpoint to IT related activities throughout its IT operations.

A thorough literature review and exploratory research on Green IT is the first step of the research, to examine various Green IT elements - attitude, policy, practice, technology and governance – which together create the critical quality we call “G-Readiness”. The gathering of information from relevant sources is been done in order to construct a theoretic background in the topic.

On the basis of secondary research analysis conceptual model or framework is built based on the sources and the connections among them.

Since the paper is solely based on the secondary research, the practical implication lacks a bit. The conceptual framework is part of a research project which aims to contribute to the field of IT.

IT sectors’ worldwide are increasingly becoming aware of the strategic role that IT can play in both greening the IT infrastructure and supporting a business's overall green initiative. What we don't know is how ready IT is to acquit these roles. Attainment of better understanding of Green IT and its impact on IT is a research priority, which will give an idea how Green IT Ready are we.

The inclination headed for green information technology (IT) over the decades is a result of an acknowledgement of both the environmental issues related to IT and the crucial role IT plays as a potential cause of solutions to environmental concerns. Hence, it is mandate to enhance our knowledge with the role of Green IT and an in-depth study of various Green IT conceptual frameworks.