7 tips for greener IT

Many companies cause huge CO² emissions and consume a lot of resources, primarily due to high energy consumption. Only 26% of the German companies surveyed have a strategy for the green transition that they consistently implement [Source: Statista]. But what are suitable strategies anyway? Where can you start? And how much does it all cost? The good answer is: It is not difficult at all to make savings. The even better answer: It even saves money!

‍Our tips show you how it works!

The cloud

If a company has a lot of programs and files running on physical servers, it is worth considering outsourcing them to the cloud. Through best practice strategies, providers are able to utilize their servers more while saving energy and water at the same time. This enables more efficient use than in your own company. In addition, this eliminates the hassle of maintaining your own server.

Virtualizing servers

If you do need your own servers and can't easily switch to the cloud, for example because you are subject to strict data protection guidelines, there is still a way to use servers in a more resource-efficient way. The keyword is virtualization. Server virtualization creates multiple virtual instances on a physical server that run independently of each other. Applications can then in turn be installed and run on the instances. This means that not the entire physical server has to be up and running, but only the required partitions, which in turn leads to a reduction in power and maintenance costs.

Laptops instead of desktops

The positive thing about laptops is not just the guaranteed mobility compared to a PC. As a result, laptops are also designed to save energy so as not to lose weight in the middle of a meeting. Conversely, this means that laptops are more environmentally friendly as they can be used in a more energy-efficient way. A real win-win situation, then.

Second use of IT equipment

The lifespan of IT hardware is now very long, but it is often replaced by new hardware before its life cycle even comes close to ending. Since the hardware can therefore still run for a long time, it is worthwhile to use “second-hand hardware”. Various retailers offer “refurbished hardware” with a warranty. On the other hand, you can of course also monetize your hardware that you no longer need at retailers instead of disposing of it.

Use multifunction devices

Many printers are fairly limited in their functions and so you need additional devices, such as a scanner, to be able to use all desired functionalities. Here, however, it makes more sense to rely on multifunctional devices and thus keep the ecological footprint smaller.

Observe environmental labels

When you buy new hardware, you should look for official environmental labels such as the Energy Star or the Blue Angel. These seals guarantee a lower impact on the environment through energy savings, ease of repair and environmentally friendly production.

paperless office

The paperless office is becoming increasingly popular. Away from paper, towards digital documents. The advantage of this: Since everything is digitized, the documents can be easily made available online to the relevant people. Anyone who heeds these tips is well on the way to making a contribution to environmental protection and taking some of the burden on nature.Do you need help migrating your servers to the cloud? contact us.