There is no denying that the Internet has truly become a part of our everyday lives. Everything can be done at just the click of a button—from online shopping to information research; from communicating with a friend to catching the latest news. However, we do not realize that clicking that button also releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere by every second.

Dr. Alexander Wissner-Gross, an Environmental Fellow at Harvard University, has studied how spending time in front of the computer can actually have an impact on the environment. In an interview with CNN, he estimated that every second spent on web-browsing can generate 20 milligrams of CO2. And with almost 1.5 billion Internet users worldwide, the number of milligrams of greenhouse gas emissions will surely reach several thousand, if not more.

Numerous studies have shown that Internet usage and computers in general can contribute to global warming. CNN cited a 2007 report from research firm Gartner that states that the manufacturing and use of information and communications technology can account for about 2% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. In ten years, the Internet may generate about 20% of the greenhouse gases in the world.

While sending an e-mail to someone who lives a thousand miles away may take just a few seconds, the electricity needed to transmit that e-mail, and trillions more, is equal to the amount needed to power over two million homes in the United States. It also generates the same level of greenhouse gas emissions that more than three million cars produce, according to a report from anti-virus software firm McAfee.

The way one uses the Internet can also affect its environmental impact. Some online activities such as downloading or transmitting a video can release more greenhouse gases as compared to sending an email because more electricity is required.

CNN’s report on information technology’s carbon footprint stated that most of these greenhouse gas emissions come from data centers—buildings used to house servers, computers systems, and other associated components. A 2008 study by the Climate Group and Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) showed that the reported 76 million tons of CO2 emitted by global data centers in 2002 could triple by the end of the next decade. Because of this, many information technology (IT) companies are now taking steps to reduce emissions.

One of these companies is the International Business Machines Corporation, or more popularly known as IBM. The multinational computer technology and IT consulting corporation has first issued an environmental policy in 1971, and through several programs to conserve energy, the corporation has been able to save 4.6 billion kilowatt hours of electricity consumption, representing more than $310 million in energy expenses, between 1990 and 2007. This also prevented the release of nearly 3.1 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere—equivalent to 45% of IBM’s global CO2 emissions.

In May 2007, IBM has launched a green initiative entitled Project Big Green, investing $1 billion per year to increase the energy-efficiency of its customers’ data centers. IBM Vice President Steve Sams said in an interview that energy consumption in data centers are doubling every five years, and the corporation aims to dramatically reduce those consumptions by approximately 42% through its five-step IT energy efficiency approach.

Combining an array of hardware, software, and services, IBM’s five-step green strategy includes:
1. The Diagnose stage, where IBM will assess the energy efficiency of a customer’s data center to construct an appropriate strategy for improvement. This stage also features IBM research mobile measurement technology that measures three-dimensional (3-D) temperature distribution within the centers.
2. The Build stage, where businesses can view their data center energy efficiency online for free.
3. The Virtualize stage, where virtualization technologies will enable companies to merge their work onto fewer computers, resulting to reduction of energy consumption and expenses.
4. The Management stage, where companies can avail of software, which includes Tivoli management software and PowerExecutive software, to monitor and manage their energy usage.
5. The Cool stage, where IBM will launch cooling platforms that will reduce server heat output in the data centers without using additional electricity.

In June 2008, IBM expanded Project Big Green to include software that allows clients to extend their efforts for energy efficiency improvements beyond the data centers.

A green data center can provide numerous financial, operational, and environmental benefits. With a green data center, a company will now have the ability to accurately view its baseline energy cost against the rising global energy prices, and save on electricity expenses due to efficient energy use. A green data center can also allow more computing performance per kilowatt and will have a longer life-span than conventional data centers. And by conserving energy, a green data center can also lower the carbon emissions of a company.

In 2008, IBM has signed a $75 million contract with RackForce Networks, a leading data service provider in Canada, for the construction of its new GigaCenter, deemed to be the most energy-efficient and advanced data center in the world. The GigaCenter is located in Kelowna, British Columbia, and its first phase, consisting of roughly 30,000 square feet, opened early this July. IBM and RackForce expect an additional 120,000 square feet to be completed in 2011.

Aside from its Project Big Green initiative, IBM has also launched the Carbon Disclosure Project, a research project that focuses on the practices of companies that are used to gather and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. The data gathered will allow IBM to construct the best CO2 management strategies for its customers.

IBM also founded the Global Intelligent Utility Network Coalition in 2007, a group of utility companies that will collaborate with IBM for the adoption of smart grid technologies throughout the world. In May of this year, IBM said that it will provide up to $2 billion in financing for smart grid and other IT initiatives as part of the economic stimulus program of the United States. The corporation has also partnered with Cisco for the implementation of an energy management system that uses smart metering and home energy management technology for the city of Amsterdam.

Because of its initiatives to lead its business operations to a sustainable direction, IBM was included in the Sustainable Business 20 (SB20) List, where one can find the world’s top sustainable business stocks. Also included in the list are First Solar, Vestas Wind Systems, Gamesa Corporacion Technologica, Ormat Technologies, WaterFurnace Renewable Energy, Telvent Git SA, Novozymes A/S, Westport Innovations, Pure Technologies, Naturex SA, United Natural Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Plant Health Care plc, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Novo Nordisk, Google, Herman Miller, Koninklijke Philips Electronics, and Timberland.


- Natassia Y. Laforteza