The role of IT service management in green IT

Abstract

Societies and governments are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of the expanding use of IT equipment on the environment, especially in terms of energy efficiency, emission reduction and toxic waste. The objective of this article is to explore the relationship between IT Service Management (ITSM) and Green IT. To achieve this objective, the leading best practice framework for ITSM is evaluated to explore the depth and breadth of Green IT guidance provided in the ITIL resources. The analysis of the ITIL books clearly demonstrates that ITIL provides limited guidance to support Green IT programs and confirms the view that Green IT and ITSM share common goals, such as operational efficiencies and metrics-based improvements. In the second phase of the research, results of a recent survey of IT Service Managers in Australia were analysed to gauge the extent of Green IT awareness and implementation. The extent to which Green IT policies and procedures have been implemented varied substantially across the 65 organisations surveyed. The survey results indicate that most of the IT Service Managers have implemented a Green IT Policy and are aware of the importance of controlling IT waste disposal and improving energy efficiency. Based on the discussion, recommendations are made to CIOs, IT Service Managers and ITIL authors to continue to raise awareness of Green IT and to recognise that best practice in Green IT is evolving and needs to be distilled and articulated in ITIL publications.