Sander: Denmark to be in the Lead with Green ICT

Computers and other ICT equipment also contribute to CO2 emission, and hence indirectly to the global climatic changes. This is the reason underlying the initiative taken by Helge Sander, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, for an action plan on green ICT to be prepared before the end of the year.

The objective is for Denmark to be at the forefront in terms of eco-friendly usage of ICT.

– It is my hope that the action plan will be received positively, and that green ICT may be a theme in connection with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2009, says Science Minister Helge Sander.

– At the latest meeting of the ICT Council, I called on members to come up with specific proposals for the content of an action plan for green ICT. We are now in the process of preparing that plan, says Science Minister Helge Sander.

The action plan is expected to contain initiatives both for day-to-day use of ICT and research in green ICT.

The vision is that Denmark should be at the forefront in the area of green ICT.

Possible initiatives may include:

• A targeted effort for environmentally correct disposal of ICT equipment.
• A labelling scheme for eco-friendly ICT equipment.
• Setting priorities for research in green ICT.

However, the first step will be to discuss the specific initiatives with the ICT Council and other relevant stakeholders.

– The interesting thing about ICT is that it is part of the problem, while it is also part of the solution. By thinking innovatively, we can all be better at using ICT in an environmentally sound manner, says Science Minister Helge Sander.

Science Minister Helge Sander can be contacted via Communications Manager Niels Hovmand on phone number +45 33 92 97 37 or .

For further information about green ICT, contact: Adam Lebech, Head of Section, National IT and Telecom Agency, phone number: +45 35 45 01 24.