HSBC is boosting its
green credentials by introducing virtual conference rooms to
reduce the amount of air travel by employees.
The
virtual conference rooms, which use Cisco technology, will
enable people in remote locations to participate more fully in
meetings via the internet.
"Our current meeting and collaboration tools provide significant
increases in productivity, but are no substitute for in-person
meetings," said CIO Ken Harvey. "This gives us the experience and
benefit of actually being in the room with colleagues on the other
side of the world, without having to pack a suitcase."
HSBC estimates that an online meeting between three employees
who would otherwise need to travel from Hong Kong to Chicago would
save $50,000.
HSBC and other
large companies are leading the way in using technology to
reduce the carbon emissions of businesses.
In October,
HSBC said it would save 500KW of power - equivalent to the
consumption of 500 electric fires running simultaneously - in its
data centres by using virtualisation software.
Last year
Barclays said it was replacing 10,000 PCs with thin clients to
reduce CO2 emissions by 15,000 tonnes and save £5.2m.
Tesco said it has committed £100m to reducing its 4.1 million tonne
carbon footprint and is applying IT in other parts of the
business to reduce overall company emissions by an estimated
20%.
John Higgins, CEO at
IT trade association Intellect, said although basic strategies
such as turning computers off when not in use will go a long
way, businesses can go a step further. He said there is technology
available to help cut carbon emissions across the business.
"Good analysis of where your energy costs are racking up and
matching your IT developments to these would be good start," he
said. "Vehicles and buildings are usually the biggest emitters of
carbon."
Vehicle routing technology that will minimise the consumption of
fuel as well as energy technology to make buildings more energy
efficient, such as systems to automate turning off systems and
lights, can cut carbon emissions.