Towards Implementing a Green ICT Environment: Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Green Data Centres in Africa

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION1

Overview1

An Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of ICTs1

Present Regulatory Challenges in Africa2

Environmental Management & Protection3

Background of the Study3

Research Question4

Purpose of the Study4

Aims & Objectives4

CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW6

Case Study- India6

Avoiding Environmental Consequences7

Direct Effects8

Indirect Effects8

Systemic Effects8

Environmental Priorities & Issues8

Eco-Friendly Environment & Disposals9

Effective Power Management in Advanced IT Systems9

Virtualization10

Data Centre Challenges in Africa10

Tackling Price Hike in Power & Achievement of Goals10

Green Data Centres and the Transformation of IT11

Case Study- Japan12

Role of Green ICTs in CO2 Reduction12

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY14

Research Design14

Case Study15

Analysis and Interpretations16

CHAPTER IV: RESULTS ANALYSIS17

Green Use17

Relevance of India & Japan's Case Studies in Improving the Efficiency of Green Data Centres in Africa17

Major Challenges in Going Green for Africa17

Steps towards Greenness18

Vital Prerequisites for Africa in Implementing a Green ICT Environment18

Benefits of Sustainable ICT19

Cost Efficiency Gains19

Improved Reputation20

New Opportunities for Teaching & Research20

Possibilities for Improvised Ways of Working20

Drivers of Sustainable ICT in a Contemporary Environment21

Barriers to Sustainability21

Africa- An Overview22

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION25

REFERENCES30

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

In today's contemporary world, environmental issues are subjected to an increased level of attention. Communities are actively involved in discussions on grim environmental issues and their consequences. Due to a consistent increase in greenhouse gas emissions and energy demands, corporations and governments realize the dire need to increase energy efficiency (Kenneth, 2007). For most business executives, who are always aiming for business expansion and growth, environmental concerns and energy consumption are serious issues. It could hinder the company's ability to grow and may also hold adverse societal consequences.

The efficiency of green data centres is of vital importance in today's globalized world. The corporate data centres are often criticized for their significant power consumption. If a company's data centre is not able to accommodate storage of new servers due to a lack of power availability; it always has a negative impact on the environment and the company itself (Jonathan, 2007). Data centre issues often arise due to a poor infrastructure or power availability issues.

By implementing a green ICT environment, the adverse environmental impacts for an economy could be minimized. Hence, the implementation of green data centres in African countries is the need of the hour. By improving their efficiency, the region can expedite its growth and find better ways to deal with its power issues. A vast majority of corporations realize that environmental responsibility and business success should be interlinked. In fact, data centres are one of the best ways to accommodate business growth and to ensure success in the long run.

Overview

An Assessment of the Environmental Impact of ICTs

In order ...