How would you like it if you could just start a computer, fire up web-conferencing software and collaborate with a team that can be as diverse and it can possibly be, across geographical boundaries? Web-conferencing works incredibly well with any business – be it a sole-proprietorship or a multi-branched, multi-national company. Here are four specific steps that detail how to use web-conferencing:
It starts with the office: Did you know that how your office building (or even your study/dorm/garage/kitchen sink) is constructed defines how ‘green’ you are? Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a mandate created in 1998 and powered by the U.S. Green Building Council[1].
If you followed this single mandate, it’s reported that energy savings of about 30-50%, reduction in carbon emissions by 35% and contributes to 70% reduction in solid wastes. Brian Ruance at Riskvue.com[2] suggests that Carpets and paints using organic compounds and usage of vegetative roofs (dirt, glass and plants) are great ways to get started. Building constructions can also use HVAC systems, plumbing & electric fixtures, and use recycling.
Those servers are killing bottom-lines: The unending line of servers that you use in your company or even a simple computer can be a resource-hog. A U.S EPA report states that a medium or large company can save at least $4 billion on electricity costs per annum if only a company approaches its energy use and management properly. Smart initiatives such as using web-conferencing, providing remote support to clients, online collaboration, etc., have the potential to save at least 25% of your energy bills each year.
Shop smart for green equipment: Mandates like EPEAT and energy star ratings exist as benchmarks to ensure that manufacturers make environment friendly products. When looking to buy a desktop PC, a laptop or even choosing cloud-based web-conferencing vendors start looking smart. Just by buying products or by choosing vendors who use ‘green initiatives’, you are already doing your part to save the planet.
Take to green initiatives: Be it an individual, a company there or even an entire country there are a host of green initiatives that you can take to do your bit to help save Earth. If you are an individual, you could use ‘green meters – a term used by Bill Pray who is the Principal Research Analyst at gartner.com[3] – which are basically widgets or software modules that allow you to measure your carbon footprint reduction while using effective web-conferencing solutions instead of travel to any one or multiple locations. Plenty of European member states and other countries like New Zealand, U.S, have tax incentives for citizens who choose go the ‘green’ way.
Do you have other ways you can go green using web-conferencing technology? Let me know by writing out your comments here.
[1] U.S. Green Building Council
[2] Brian Ruance at Riskvue.com
[3] gartner.com
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