New research from BT has uncovered a significant
mismatch between the perceived role of IT and communications
technology in making business operations more sustainable, and the
strategic planning undertaken to make it a reality.
The research, conducted by Datamonitor, found that 90% of
organisations from the public and private sector believe technology
is part of the solution to reduce their impact on the environment.
Nearly a third says that it is an important part.
However, two-fifths (41%) have no plans or targets for achieving
improvements, with one in five admitting that they are not
using technology effectively to improve their
sustainability.
According to the study, a third of UK organisations across the
range of sectors say the need to improve sustainability will be the
single biggest driver of IT investment over the next five years.
This was cited as more important than implementing new technologies
such as unified communications (25%), taking advantage of converged
networks (14%) or improving security (11%).
But even though the majority of organisations in the research
recognise the benefits of operating more sustainable in terms of
the bottom line, customer attitudes and overall reputation, 35%
consider it purely a tick box exercise to
aid regulation compliance.
Commented Tim Smart, CEO of BT Global Services UK, “Companies may
be paying lip-service to the issue of sustainability. Operating
[sustainability] is important – and technology has a role to play
in making it happen. However the lack of forethought given to how
to exploit this opportunity means companies may fail to see real
benefit from the efforts they are making and critically a return on
their investments…networked IT services have a fundamental role to
play in enabling more sustainable practices that bring
opportunities and
benefits in terms of competitiveness, productivity and even reduced
costs.”
Added Neil Hendry, Director of Consulting at Datamonitor, “In
terms of building sustainability credentials, the research
highlights a positive awareness regarding the impact different
technologies can have on areas such as flexible working, more
efficient supply chain processes, building services automation (for
reducing and monitoring energy use), as well as the importance of
ensuring employees aren’t disadvantaged through lack of IT skills.
The challenge is for organisations to grasp these opportunities and
make real changes to the way they do business.”