Global Action Plan and leading networking equipment manufacturer, Cisco, this week launched their ‘Path to Greener Government' report, highlighting that more work is needed to support IT departments to reduce their environmental impacts.

The report launch saw coverage on BBC News Online by its technology journalist and featured Trewin Restorick, Global Action Plan's Director talking about its findings.

Based on the results of a survey undertaken by Global Action Plan, the report explored the role of Green ICT as a key driver in helping the public sector to deliver community services, whilst reducing its carbon emissions found that while there were areas of good practice across the public sector, further support was needed.

Through our research at Global Action Plan we saw was pockets of excellence, areas where the public sector is making both cash savings and carbon savings through smarter use of ICT, but that those pockets of activity tended not to be part of a wider strategy within the public sector. Trewin Restorick, CEO, Global Action Plan 

The report also found that whilst the government is recognised as leading a comprehensive strategy more awareness of the strategy is needed. Departments also need to be encouraged to measure their carbon footprint so that they can in turn form a greener ICT strategy for themselves.

Adds Trewin:

"There are steps towards reducing consumption but more needs to be done to support ICT departments in meeting targets to achieve carbon neutrality. Whilst the activity already going on is making a difference, more incentives need to be given to local government if overall government targets of 80% reduction in green house gases by 2050 are to be met."

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