Despite a difficult economic climate, demand for workers in the green computing sector continues to increase. The need for more designers, engineers, installers, manufacturers, managers and recyclers is growing, and experts have attributed this on-going demand to the benefits that green computing initiatives such as the cloud can offer businesses.

"We refer to 'green IT' as 'efficient IT,' because the industry is quite some way from having zero negative impact on the natural environment. More efficiency means better use of capital and reducing operating expenses," said EMC's Kathrin Winkler.

The efficiency offered by green computing in information and communications technologies could be a large part of the attraction for businesses, as this promotes sustainability.

Experts say companies are now changing their perceptions of green computing: "There is a certain segment that believes that being green is a more expensive way of doing things, but being green actually saves money, since you're forcing efficiency. It's all about saving money," Richard Hodges, owner of a green consulting business.

In spite of the recession, green IT jobs have remained strong - the US Bureau of Labour Statistics predicted in 2009 that from 2008 to 2018 employment in this area will grow 17 per cent. The growth reflects an overall trend within IT in general, and sustainability is becoming an increasing priority - even President Obama issued an executive order calling for increased sustainability in all federal government offices and agencies in 2009.

"As the demand for energy to supply the data center increase, the acceptance and the adoption of green computing becomes a priority instead of just a good PR headline for companies," explained Mohamed E. Brihoum, MA&T chair and senior professor at DeVry.

Written by Louise Boyd
 

Growing demand for green computing workers