Green IT
The intelligent technology – Green IT in Denmark
Internet and communication technology is responsible for two per cent of the world's total emission of CO2. At the same time, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) contains one of the keys to reducing the remaining 98 per cent of CO2 emissions. In other words, ICT is not only a part of the problem, but also very much a part of the solution to the climate challenge. Therefore, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has drawn up an Action Plan for Green IT in Denmark.
Denmark has repeatedly been chosen as one of the world's leading ICT nations, and the Danish ICT infrastructure is world class. The Action Plan aims to make it easier for citizens, businesses and public authorities to choose energy-efficient ICT solutions. At the same time, the Action Plan sets out to promote the development of ICT-based solutions that can help to reduce overall energy consumption.
The Action Plan for Green IT in Denmark pursues two main objectives:
- Citizens, businesses and public authorities' use of ICT should be greener and
- ICT should help bring about a reduction in overall energy consumption.
The initiatives range from information campaigns through guidelines and fact-files on green IT to an export and expertise campaign.
Initiatives during COP15
All over Denmark citizens and tourists will be able to access the COP15 webpage, www.cop15.dk, for free from a large number of wireless hotspots.
A number of cafés spread across Denmark will thematise and discuss COP15 and the climate challenges. Guests of the cafés will be able to learn more about how green IT is part of the solution to the climate challenges.
Statistics on the use of green IT in Denmark
- Every second public authority in Denmark invests in green IT to lower CO2 emissions through the use of IT (IT in Practice 2009, Rambøll Management Consulting).
- Every fourth public authority in Denmark has included green IT in its IT strategy (ICT Use by the Public Sector, 2008, Statistics Denmark).
- Every fourth adult citizen in Denmark using a computer at home makes use of an AutoPowerOff plugbank with their IT equipment (ICT Use by the Population 2009, Statistics Denmark).
