Green IT refers to the environmentally compatible and resource-preserving use of information and communication technologies (ICT) over their entire life cycle, from system design and architecture to production of the components, all the way to their use and ultimate disposal.

In this connection, the focus is on energy and material efficiency: 

• Energy consumption in the production and use of hardware (computers, monitors, printers, telephones, etc.) 
• Materials and production agents used, including harmful substances (heavy metals/precious metals) 

Another distinction is made between saving energy by using more energy-efficient ICT technologies (“green in IT”) and reducing emissions by using ICT technologies (“green by IT”). After all, IT doesn’t only consume energy, it can also help save energy and resources. The computing power of intelligent machines can be exploited to use electricity more intelligently, make our mobile lives more efficient or simply shorten our daily route to work. In other words, in virtually all areas, intelligent technologies can help to reduce the use of energy and resources, and thus avoid CO2 emissions. In this way, IT becomes a fundamental technology for climate protection.

Green “by” IT – topical areas*

 1. Smart buildings

2. Smart logistics

3. Smart grid

4. Smart motors

5. Dematerialization

6. Carbon management

* Extracts in part from “SMART2020 Addendum Deutschland”, appendix 15-19