Green IT for Sustainable Business Practice

The British Computer Society (BCS) has a reputation for publishing very practical and useful texts that are directly linked to the work of this professional society. It was rather surprising to find this title in the BCS book list.

“Green IT” sounds interesting but is it really a subject which computer people wish to discuss? There are plenty of books on carbon emissions and the green movement to cover any IT industrial user's needs. There is, however, a need for business managers and IT staff to learn about the Carbon Reduction Commitment and the Climate Change Act even if they are sceptical about its implementation and about climate change assertions. The full title of the book includes the subline An ISEB Foundation Guide which would make it useful for readers who need to study for the ISEB exam. It covers the syllabus in a structured way and provides a good glossary.

For other readers it makes an interesting if not stimulating read. Green issues are obviously important and any author who is prepared to write, particularly in relation to the IT industry, about them is doing us all a service. The book has two distinct objectives:

1. 1.

   To examine how IT affects the environment and the user.

2. 2.

   Detail, how IT can assist in managing its impact on the environment and also its social and financial costs.

It gives several overviews of the methods and policies that could produce improvements, with plenty of examples and explanations of schemes that are currently available.

Obviously, this book will appeal to exam candidates but it will also provide food for thought amongst those who believe, or even disbelieve the need for sustainability in general and in the IT industry in particular. Further information can be obtained at: www.bcs.org/books/greenit