Green cloud computing is a coined term that means making the practices and approaches of using technological advances like computing and other IT resources sustainable for potential environmental benefits.

The growing number of companies around the world makes a significant impact on the environment. This growth means for a great need to use data centres, an increase in the daily commute of workers, and an influx of office materials and supplies needed on a daily basis. Green cloud computing answers these [1] looming environment issues by providing options that can lower emitted carbon footprints around the world.

Many companies are now leaning on the cloud services as such many technological applications and practices that can reduce environmental impacts are being developed daily. Green cloud computing makes it possible to maintain and enhance business operations and processes while looking after the environment.

Impacts of Green Cloud Computing to The Environment

1. Fewer Carbon Footprints Because Of Remote Workers
Cloud computing allows businesses to store their data on the internet, which means it can be accessed by anyone given the authority, no matter the location or whatever device is being used. This opportunity presented businesses and companies the flexibility to gear their employees toward remote working. As you practice this business trend, you start a substantial environmental help.

Working remotely gives your workers the benefit of escaping the daily commute, which requires them to fuel their cars regularly [2]. With the chance to allow your personnel to work at home or any place that would better suit their efficiency and productivity, you also help the environment by cutting down on fuel emissions.

2. Saving The Environment by Being Paperless
Gone are the days where you have to print and store all files received in your email or all of the reports you have prepared for your immediate head. With the innovative features of storing data in the cloud, you do not need large filing cabinets to store your printed copies. Green cloud computing makes it possible for companies and organizations to go paperless.

As long as you are connected on the internet, you can leverage cloud storage options like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or SharePoint. These storage options allow you and your whole team to go paperless without sacrificing the entire organization’s functionality. With the ease of use, as these cloud storage options offer drag and drop features for all your files, you can still expect productivity within the whole team or organization even when working remotely.

3. Reduction Of Your Power Consumption to Decrease Energy Use
Reduction of your company’s power consumption does not only mean turning off your computer or your workstation lights when not in use. Though this can make a huge difference, you have to understand the gravity of consumed power when your company runs on-location servers. After you have logged out, shut down your desktop and make your way home, these on-premise servers need to have a constant power supply to make your servers work. You also need to have a running cooling system 24/7 to avoid your servers from overheating, and disposing of these machines after its shelf life will be even another thing you need to tackle.

4. Dematerialization That Decreases Greenhouse Gases Emissions
When you opt to have an on-site data centre, the materials used to build it goes a long way and produces greenhouse gasses (GHG) on its life cycles. This GHG are emitted as raw materials for your equipment is being produced. The same gases are emitted as the equipment is being assembled and transported to its location. As you use the equipment, more gasses are produced as well as you come in terms of terms.

As you move to the cloud means, you decrease the emission of these gases, and you practice dematerialization. Dematerialization means [3] the replacement of physical products with virtual alternatives. As you begin to rely on cloud services, you shy away from using GHG emitting physical products, which has a significant impact on the well-being of the environment figure 1 given below.

Figure1: Green Cloud Computing

References:

1. https://www.learntek.org/blog/what-is-green-cloud-computing
2. https://www.edyoda.com/stories/an-introduction-to-green-cloud-computing
3. https://cloudcomputingadvices.com/green-cloud-computing

Cite this article:

S. Nandhinidwaraka (2021) Important Uses of Green Cloud Computing, AnaTechmaz, pp. 10