Going Green with Technology in the Workplace

Energy conservation and responsible environmentalism isn’t something we usually equate with technology and computers, but there are a number of ways to practice “going green” with technology. Below are six great ways to conserve energy and resources in the workplace:

                1. Cut down on the usage of electricity, hardware, paper and toner. Taking a minimalistic approach to these things will benefit the environment, as well as your wallet. Make sure you check the color settings on your printer. Often inkjet or laser printers are set at a high saturation level. Calibrating your printer’s settings can save considerable money over time and produce better looking documents. Use a floor lamp with an energy efficient bulb, rather than overhead lights. Not only will you save time and energy, but low lighting is easier on the eyes as you work on your computer.

                2. Providing networking systems that are easier to maintain will save a lot of time as well as resources. You’ll benefit from systems that are built around your specific niche, and an organized networking system will reduce resources needed to maintain the network.

                3. Setting up a remote, electronic management system will give you faster resolution of trouble ticket issues which will increase productivity, help you measure chronic areas of concern to troubleshoot and increase employee and customer satisfaction.

                4. Virtualizing the work environment so employees have the capability to work from home can greatly increase productivity. Your carbon footprint will be reduced by decreasing the amount of daily gasoline used and pollution-causing emissions.

                5. Combating spyware and adware inadvertently downloaded on machines can be costly both in dollars and staff time. Using content filter solutions for the Internet will reduce or eliminate those problems and increase staff productivity and efficiency, as well as creating a safer Internet environment.

                6. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones can save considerable money and time. By routing phone calls over the Internet, your phone number is associated with a phone and not a location, so there are no charges for adding or moving a phone. Costs are lower for VoIP phones versus landline phone services and can be integrated with computer applications such as email, fax, web conferencing and video phone. Use VoIP phones to greatly reduce your phone bill and expand your ability to serve customers.

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David Cochrane is owner and senior network specialist for D&K Enterprise, LLC, an Information Technology company headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. D&K Enterprise provides virtual IT services for clients on a nationwide basis. For more information, visit www.dandkenterprise.com