Dell preaches green gospel to SMEs

Green businesses can save businesses significant amounts of energy and increase profits if schemes are implemented properly, according to hardware supplier Dell.

Dell has produced a list of top tips for SMEs attempting to implement green IT policies.

Dell said businesses of all sizes should examine their operating procedures and implement appropriate environmental measures, which are often easy and cost-effective.

Dell's tips:

1 - Default printers to print double sided and do the same for photocopies to reduces the amount of paper used.

2 - Consider virtual working methods, which allow employees to work from home and use "hot desks" when in the office. This can cut down the amount of office space and furniture required and the energy used.

3 - Invest in server consolidation and virtualisation technologies that are not only more energy efficient but also make better use of existing hardware.

4 - Invest in power efficient products. Many servers on today's market for example, consume up to 25% less energy than previous generations, and many computers use up to 70% less power than previous models.

5 -Recycle or donate end-of-life computer equipment. There are a number of services available to businesses that offer safe and environmentally acceptable IT disposal systems.