Sustainable IT

In general, sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the built of future generations to meet theirs. Sustainability has three main pillars. Social. Environmental. And economic. These three pillars are often informally referred to as people. Planet. And profits. Did you know that UITS was thinking about the three pillars of sustainability in IT way back in 2009. That's right. Empowering people, the UITS strategic plan called for IU to develop and implement plans to build an IT infrastructure that would enhance the lives of our end users. Ensure responsible environmental stewardship. And create cost efficiencies wherever possible. As an IT pro, please know your unit can now leverage many tools that were developed because of action items detailed in empowering people. Let's talk about some examples. The intelligent infrastructure is IU's virtualized server environment that helps reduce the university's energy use while ensuring server security. IUanyWare allows units to utilize thin clients to harness the computing power of the data center rather than requiring more energy-intensive work stations. IU Print is our manage print system that allows convenient access to printing while reducing overall printing through secure release technology. This reduces the need for consumable resources like toner and paper. IU's digital fax service provides convenient access to fax services without the need for a stand-alone fax machine. Which, again, helps reduce costs and energy use. Digital storage tools like Box, Google G-Suite and Onbase provide searchable, convenient cloud storage solutions for files. Video conferencing tools like Zoom and IU Video Bridge help conserve resources. And reduce polluting emissions by reducing physical travel. And making remote meetings or distance learning more convenient. IU also developed a robust e-based management plan to make sure your unneeded devices are reused, if possible. Or are responsibly recycled by vendors with the highest possible environmental certifications. Our team wants to learn about your IT environment. And connect you with services that help your unit go green. Remember, when you go green with your IT, you create efficiencies that help make your end users' lives easier. Help the environment. And help your unit trim costs. E-mail greenit@iu.edu with questions.