Controversy rages over Green Touch initiative
Channel questions the wisdom of enviromental body's approach
Bright idea: the Green Touch Consortium has been urged to focus more on recycling
Doubts have been raised by the channel over the priorities of the Green Touch Consortium, following its first meeting last month.
The 16-strong global consortium, spearheaded by Bell Labs – Alcatel-Lucent’s R&D arm – plans to create new technologies that will improve the energy efficiency of data networks over the next five years 1,000-fold.
However, channel onlookers have expressed concerns about how the consortium is planning to counteract the environmental impact its activities may have.
Myles Pilkington, group marketing manager at Sims Recycling Solutions, said: “Once the networks have been upgraded, what provisions will be in place to help companies dispose of their resources in an environmentally friendly way?”
Matt Emmins, managing partner at refurbished telecoms VAR MF Communications, said: “It is greener to use old equipment to its max before changing to a new system because high-quality parts can usually be sourced, even if the OEM no longer supports the model.”
Adam Clamp, a consultant at The Green IT Consultancy, said the consortium should consider incorporating education about recycling old IT resources into its wider plans.
He added: “Few companies out there know how to go about recycling IT products, so it could potentially make a big difference.”