Monday, the EPA announced Intel was #1 a top their Green Power Partner list, designating Intel as the largest purchaser of Green Power in the US. The purchase was significant as it represented the largest single purchase in the history of the program which dates back more than ten years. Since this announcement the press, blogs and environmental pundits have commented on the significance of this purchase as a demonstration of Intel’s eco-responsibility, while emphasizing the potential positive impact it may towards driving greater demand and supply of renewable energy.
The questions many inside of Intel been asking are along the lines of, “What are the implication and relevance of the Green Power announcement to our products and technology? And then specifically to the Green IT trend? The answers to these questions are two fold. First, by purchasing renewable energy credits to over 40% of Intel’s projected US electricity requirements for our facilities and factories customers can be assured Intel is making real actions to reduce the impact on the environment as we design and produce our products.
The second answer is one of role modeling as an example with decisions based on environmental impact and sustainability. Intel brings to the table a consideration for data center operators to drive the direct cost reduction benefits with greater energy efficiency and to evaluate improvements in sustainability of operations by considering renewable energy.
This may not be as direct a call to action as the Climate Savers Computing Initiative or defined like Green Grid BKM’s, but we can all agree that more Green Power usage and availability at competitive costs is good for business and the environment. As PSO pointed out in his ISMC opening keynote, Intel must lead and be a leader. The Green Power purchase is a good example of the “Impact” we can make as a company through our responsible actions and citizenship.
So, what are you doing along the 'Green' lines?
The Server Room