by Linda Sunkle-Pierucki

Created on: March 23, 2009   Last Updated: January 31, 2011

With all the emphasis on IT going green, mid-size business has reason to feel left out. Some of the most promising solutions are geared for the mega-tech sector. Adaptive link rate equipment promises a huge cost saving with its smaller energy footprint, but at $100,000+ a pop, you know you won't be seeing it in your offices in the near future. If you're not Google or Microsoft, you simply can't afford them. The time-worn adage; "It must perform, it must keep systems available, then it can be green" is true in any business, large or small.

There are things any medium size business can do to improve their environmental impact and legitimately award themselves some IT "greenie-points". Success hinges on being able to completely and accurately assess how your business performs on a variety of factors-something the competent manager should be doing on an on-going basis anyway. Some basic areas to look at:

Facilities

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Facilities- envy will do you no good in this shaky economy: you're not about to build a new campus with wind and solar power and recycled water systems. You can, however, be very aware of space costs and energy usage over and above the rental agreement. Ask for full records of space-conditioning costs before serious lease discussion ever begins. Some lease agreements allow you to demand an upgraded HVAC system as a condition of the lease. Never be afraid to take an HVAC expert with you to check out the property - he can save you thousands down the road in unexpended heating/cooling dollars by alerting you to potential power-wasters.

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Plumbing should be updated, with low-flow toilets and auto-controlled faucets.

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Vending machines should be at a minimum: a small dorm-style refrigerator placed strategically can hold lunches and cold drinks-a healthier alternative for employees.

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It never hurts to arrange for a catering truck loaded with fresh salads and home-made soups to arrive in your parking lot at lunchtime, thus avoiding the massive out-rush of cars heading for the fast-food joint.

Even if you don't pay for these costs directly, keep copious notes as this will all go into your green-footprint statement.

Actively pursue the "3 P's of Green IT: Power, Products and Ports"

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Look into purchasing power from a green-power utility company. You pay a small premium to assure all power used is from green sources.

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Configure all desktops to a power-saver mode so that the office wanderer isn't wasting kilowatts while he visits the water

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