Managing the Environmental Impact of Information Technology

Abstract

This article explores a much under-researched field of ethics: the impact of information technology (IT) on the environment. Reducing the ecological impact of IT requires a holistic approach including better design of computers, the development of non-polluting manufacturing processes, and effective management strategies. The latter have received much attention in recent years. The three main areas of management focus have been the problems of hardware disposal, the energy consumed by computer technology in operation, and paper usage by printers and photocopiers.