Green ICT practices for achieving cost effectiveness of electricity usage of ICT in Sri Lankan apparel industry

Abstract

It is well known that the protection of the environment not only paves the way for a healthier life but also is required for the sustainability of our resources. Green concept has been identified as a perfect method to apply in all aspects of sustainability. Green Information Technology has occupied a leading role of Green concepts. Green ICT concept involves in reusing, reducing and recycling resources of ICT. The objectives of this research are to identify Green ICT practices that significantly reduce electricity consumption for ICT in Apparel Industry operating in export processing sector in Sri Lanka, to describe the barriers for implementing those practices and to determine how the apparel industry can overcome those barriers. The findings of this study can be utilized for the benefit of the organizations in apparel industry and other types of organizations which are interested to implement Green ICT practices successfully. There are certain organizations in apparel industry which are already successful in implementing Green ICT practices while others are yet to implement. Our results show that reducing datacenter power utility is the most significant practice for reducing electricity consumption of ICT while reducing electricity utilization for all equipment and printers’ power utility are also important contributory factors. Further, lack of awareness of Green ICT among the staff has been identified as the main barrier for implementing those practices. However, conducting awareness program and doing cost benefit analysis can overcome the barriers for implementing Green ICT practices.