Greenpeace Names Cisco, Google ‘Cool IT’ Leaders
First launched in 2009, Greenpeace's annual Cool IT Leaderboard evaluates IT leadership in the fight to stop climate change. The report identifies companies who embrace clean energy solutions for their own operations as well as promote greater adoption of green energy around the world through policy reform.
The sixth Cool IT Leaderboard, released in April, ranked 21 technology leaders based on their efforts to drive transformative change in the way that energy is produced and consumed. Cisco and Google both moved up in position for a first place tie. Last year, Cisco earned a third-place finish, while Google came in seventh. Both companies made significant strides in renewable energy deployment and increased political advocacy.
Some other notable companies at the top of the list include: Ericsson at 3rd, Fujitsu at 4th, and Sprint, Wipro, and HP all tied for 5th.
A large number of the companies on the list are powering their operations with a higher percentage of renewable energy. This is especially significant due to the fact that these large companies use so much energy.
However, while these changes are noteworthy, something is lacking. There is still a need for someone to step up and lead the charge towards clean technology and renewable energy deployment policy changes.
According to Greenpeace, huge electric utilities, like Duke Energy, still pollute because they have not embraced the potential of the IT sector on energy systems. They are still steadfast in using centralized electricity generation like nuclear power or coal, which is unhealthy for the environment.
Many of these same companies also support right-wing groups that oppose renewable energy. Groups like ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, become huge political obstacles when dealing with the issue. If companies are to change this dynamic, they must take vocal leadership to advocate for renewable energy.
On the bright side, IT companies like Wipro, Google, Sprint, and Softbank have really concentrated on changing the laws governing our energy system. They've even tried to help put a stop to the utility monopolies.
The Cool IT Leaderboard results show that while big technology companies are willing to make changes for clean energy deployment, progress is occurring at a leisurely pace. Hopefully in the years to come we will see a giant leap forward in the overall scores for the current leaders, those further down on the list, and even newer companies.
Full story at Greenpeace
