WWF releases two new research studies co-funded by Microsoft and HP
The reports underscore how existing information technology (IT) solutions can meet the demands of today’s corporations while reducing environmental impact.
World Wildlife Fund today released two new studies, co-funded by Microsoft and HP, that underscore how existing information technology (IT) solutions can meet the demands of today’s corporations whilst also reducing the harmful CO2 emissions that contribute to climate change. The reports, which were independently authored by WWF together with leading academic experts, identify that business and policy makers can deliver a low carbon future, but that they must work together in order to achieve meaningful results.
The first report, entitled “Virtual Meetings and Climate Innovation in the 21st Century”, highlights the significant impact that employee travel makes on a company’s total carbon footprint – accounting for 50% or more amongst non-manufacturing companies. By using virtual meetings as an existing alternative, business efficiency is increased, in turn reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The second report, “From Workplace to Anyplace”, emphasizes opportunities to employ existing technologies that enable individuals to work or collaborate remotely - creating new efficiencies and cutting emissions created by daily commuting or business air travel. In the report’s “smart world” scenario, it suggests that by 2030 roughly one billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced through tele-work – equating to the total current annual carbon dioxide emissions from the UK and Italy combined. By the year 2050, this figure could reach 3.5 billion tons or more than half of the United States’ current CO2 emissions.
As part of this research, a carbon calculator for policymakers and businesses was developed and is available at www.worldwildlife.org/carbonprojector.
For the full press release, reports and other links, click on:
