The topic of green IT has experienced periods of momentum, followed by lulls where interest seems to wane. Spikes in energy prices may drive demand for data center consolidation, smart building technologies and other green practices, while healthy balance sheets or perceptions of sufficient progress may diminish green as a top-of-mind issue.
While it’s difficult to gauge the exact state of green IT today, new CompTIA research confirms businesses continue to embrace a range of green practices and demonstrate a willingness to consider others.
Eight-in-10 businesses report the presence of paper recycling bins near print stations, a clear sign the recycling mindset is firmly embedded in the workplace. A near equal number engage in ink/toner cartridge recycling and proper disposal of devices at the end of their useful life.
Slightly more than half of businesses routinely encourage their employees to engage in environmentally friendly print practices, such as refraining from wasteful printing or utilizing duplex printing when appropriate.
These examples highlight the many intersection points between print and green IT. According to the data, a NET 86 percent of businesses see a connection between print and green practices, with managed print services (MPS) customers significantly more likely than noncustomers to understand this relationship. It’s not clear from the survey if this is a function of MPS providers doing a good job of connecting the dots for customers, or if MPS customers are generally more forward-looking and aware of the print/green IT relationship. Probably
Whether a customer is just now embracing these practices or looking to further refine established sustainability practices already place, MPS providers with the right combination of expertise and messaging will be best positioned to capitalize on the green IT trend.
CompTIA’s Trends in Managed Print Study was published August 2014. The complete report is available to CompTIA Premier Members under the Insight & Tools tab.
Tim Herbert is CompTIA’s vice president of research and market intelligence.
