According to OECD (2006), the demand for information technology keeps rising every day. Information technology is termed as the driver of business activities in economies. Business information technology tools are needed to enhance business operations in different organizations.
The rise in demand for information technology products causes firms to invest hence producing information technology tools to help in meeting the demand in the market. Technology keeps changing at a fast pace. What is considered to be an efficient technology today maybe be seen as an archaic technology within a short span of time. This necessitates a continuous process of inventing information technology products.
Several generations of information technology products have been developed since the beginning of the 20th century (Information Resources Management Association & Khosrowpour, 2001). The 21st century has seen another revolution in the information technology infrastructure. New information technology products keep entering the market (Cerasale & Stone, 2004).
Yoshida (2010) observed that different types of materials are used in the manufacture of information technology devices. Materials used for manufacturing these products and the manner in which they are used have an enormous impact on the environment (Kuehr & Williams, 2003). Information and communication tools are listed among the notable green gas emitters.
This is because of the high number of such products which exist in the global market (Smith, 2009). The impacts of information technology products on the environment have been categorized into three groups. These include the first order impacts, second order and third order effects. The first category is composed of the direct effects of the information technology products on the environment.
The effects range from the stage of manufacturing down to the stage of consumption. The second order effects are indirect. They develop from the first order effects. Third effects come as a result of the continued demand for information technology in the global economy (Houghton, 2003).
The use of green computers is a trending subject. There is widespread advocacy for the enhancement of the use of green technology. Green computers are effective in maintaining a green environment through the use of environmental friendly materials. Australia falls among the industrialized countries of the world. Therefore, the demand for information and communication technology is accelerating (Houghton, 2003).
Many people keep using computers and related devices without considering their effects to the environment. A survey of Australian universities shows that a high number of students use computers.
However, most of them are not familiar with the risks that are posed during the use and disposal of the computers. This is also reflected in other places like offices and institutions where computers are used (Australian Government, 2007; Landwehr, 2005).
Houghton, Steele & Henty (2003) observed that computers are listed among products that emit green gases to the environment. Computers also account for a high percentage of energy consumption in the world. Approximately, 90% of Australians use computers in offices and at home (John, 2006).
Sustainable use of computers is considered as one of the preferred mechanisms of minimizing the effects of information technology on the environment (Friedewald & Raabe, 2011).
Effective disposal of computers and computer parts that utilize environmentally hazardous substances is given as an option for sustainable use of computers. Several policy guidelines on safe disposal and recycling of computers are being developed. Computing devices, which use less energy, have been introduced in the market (Deng & Williams 2008).
Studies about computer use in the United States show that computers are part and parcel of human life. They aid in the accomplishment of a wide range of tasks. Computers are seen as part of human life. This means that people cannot work well without the support of computers.
Computers are found in all forms of organizations, in the United States. Computers are widely found among all population groups. The United States has been in the limelight for a long time for failing to lead the way in the conservation of the environment. The country leads in terms of the wide use of computers and other information technology devices.
However, pressure has piled, forcing the country to adopt environmental protection certifications. The concern for the environment in the United States has shown commendable growth. Most Americans understand the human and environmental dangers that come with the use of computers. They understand the market and the need to purchase computers that adhere to the codes of sustainable environment (Seitz, 2011).
Hong Kong is among the countries that are undergoing economic transformation. The demand for information technology in the country is growing. Green computing in Hong Kong is a dominant subject among the consumers of information technology. Companies are busy setting up information and communication technology. This has increased the demand for computers in Hong Kong.
Information technology experts embrace the concept of green computing. This is based on the concerns that are raised by the people of Hong Kong. Green computing technology is attained through three approaches. These include social responsibility, environmental protection, and economic progress (Chow & Chen, 2009).
References
Australian Government. (2007). Managing the environmental impact of information and communications technology (ICT). Sydney: Australian Government Press.
Cerasale, M. V., & Stone, M. (2004). Business solutions on demand: Transform the business to deliver real customer value. London: Kogan Page.
Chow, W. S., & Chen, Y. (2009). Intended Belief and Actual Behavior in green computing in Hong Kong. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 50(2), 136-141.
Deng, L., & Williams, E. (2008). Measures and trends in energy use of semiconductor manufacturing. Web.
Friedewald, M. & Raabe, O. (2011). Ubiquitous computing: An overview of technology impacts. Telematics and Informatics, 28(2), 55-65.
Houghton, J. W. (2003). Australian ICT Industries Update 2003, Australian Computer Society and Victoria University. Web.
Houghton, J. W., Steele, C., & Henty, M. (2003). Changing Research Practices in the Digital Information and Communication Environment. Department of Education, Science and Training: Canberra.
Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrowpour, M. (2001). Managing information technology in a global environment. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing.
John, W. H. (2006). Innovation in ICT: A changing landscape. Telecommunications Journal of Australia, 56(2), 1-6.
Kuehr, R., & Williams, E. (2003). Computers and the environment: understanding and managing their impacts. Kluwer: Dordrecht.
Landwehr, C. E. (2005). Green Computing. Security & Privacy Magazine, 3(6), 3-3.
OECD. (2006). Information and Communications Technology Outlook 2006. OECD: Paris.
Seitz, V. (2011). Attitudes Toward Green Computing In The US: Can They Change? Web.
Smith, T. (2009). Challenging the chip: from cleanup to sustainability. 9th Asia-Pacific NGO Environmental Conference (APNEC 9). Kyoto: Japan.
Yoshida, F. (2010). Information and communication technology and environmental issues. Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, 12 (3), 133-138.