Business ICT electricity use has increased by nearly 70% between 2000 and 2005. Today, it is
estimated that servers and data centres account for 1.9% of the UK’s national electricity demand.
Source: UK Government’s Market Transformation Programme
Across all industries, average server utilization is 6%, with facility utilization at 56%
Source: Revolutionizing Data Center Efficiency, McKinsey & Company, February, 2008
The energy intensity of Australia’s service sector improved by only 6% over the period 1990-2004.
In contrast, Germany achieved a reduction of energy intensity in the commercial services sector
of 43%, while the UK achieved a 23% improvement. The average reduction over this period was
about 19%.
Source: The Climate Institute, Briefing Paper, July 2008
| Existing studies reveal extensive opportunities for energy efficiency savings across all Australian sectors: |
Sector |
Potential for Energy Efficiency Improvements |
|
| Residential |
13 – 73% |
|
| Commercial |
10- 70% |
|
| Manufacturing |
6 – 46% |
|
| Source: The Climate Institute, Briefing Paper, July 2008 |
By focusing on the “fifth fuel” otherwise known as the “Negawatt” the potential energy savings are
enormous: energy efficiency (versus improved performance) is expected to account for about half the
reduction in CO2 emissions.
Source: The Economist, May 10, 2008
Less than half (45%) of firms have a programme in place to reduce their carbon footprint. And of
those that do have a carbon reduction strategy, the majority have no specific targets for it.
Source: Global survey, Economist Intelligence Unit, 2008
So you think this won’t include your organisation?
In a move with potentially far-reaching consequences, Wal-Mart is engaging its supply chain in a product level analysis of GHGs. Ultimately, Wal-Mart plans to use a carbon scorecard as a tool to reward suppliers that demonstrate superior environmental performance, and as a business development tool.
Source: Wal-Mart Supply Chain GHG Reporting Initiative |
