2Sustain

Data centers are energy hogs, and they’re responsible for enormous amounts of GHG emissions. So, in today’s business environment, where every organization is looking to cut costs while keeping a watchful eye on potential government regulations, IT and facilities managers need to be collaborating, working toward solutions that benefit both departments.

But, surprisingly, a recent study by Nemertes Research revealed that this sort of communication and collaboration is virtually non-existent. In fact, as unbelievable as it sounds, an astonishing 87% of IT execs who participated in the Nemertes survey said that they didn’t know their data center energy costs. 

I discovered the Nemertes report while reading an excellent post by Michael Bullock over at CIO.com. Titled “Four Reasons to Get IT and Facilities on the Same Page,” Bullock first outlines his frustration over the lack of shared mission and responsibility between IT and facilities, and then he goes on to urge IT execs to act. 

“As your company strives to become a more responsible corporate citizen, IT will come under the microscope. There will be pressure to reduce your company’s carbon footprint and increase corporate sustainability,” Bullock writes. “As these initiatives gather steam, IT and facilities will be heroes or goats. There’s no middle ground for either group.”

He’s right. My posts this week have illustrated the business case for sustainability, and it’s clear that comprehensive CSR initiatives are “gathering steam.” Businesses will benefit most when their plans are integrated company-wide, engaging all departments in finding solutions to mutual challenges.

P.S. If you have a few minutes of “extra” time for blog-hopping today, I also recommend Andrew Winston’s latest post, '"Why Business Leaders Need to Get Over Al Gore," where he presents a cogent argument for untangling the realities of climate change from political affiliation.