ntouk.com - Jerry Fishenden's technology policy blog

When I blogged before (truly green computing) about the environment and IT, I was keen that we did not take too narrow a viewpoint (and merely end up worrying about the power consumption of PCs and servers). There is much more that can be done here using technology for example to impact the way we work, learn, live and play.

Last week saw the announcement that Microsoft would be partnering with the Clinton Foundation to:

develop a suite of technology tools that will enable cities to accurately monitor, compare and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The technology will include both software and services.

Some of you may have seen Ken Livingstone on the news talking about how London would be leading the way as one of the cities actively developing a green agenda.

Given the congestion and commuting issues we face here in the capital, it's clear to me the role technology could be playing even at a simple level, such as displacing the times at which many people commute by enabling them to work more flexibly from home and other locations.

With some 50%+ of carbon emissions estimated to be associated with office buildings and the commute to and from them, much of the debate about where to focus our efforts seems to me off-target: it's quite clear where large impacts could be made. If only we could grasp the opportunities that technology provides us.

This announcement sees the development of a set of tools that will enable cities to collaborate via the Web and online communities. The aspiration is that they will work together to monitor their progress and share experiences. It builds on the work already developed by ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability and the Center for Neighborhood Technology).

I hope the announcement in New York is the beginning of practical progress on tackling environmental issues - enabled by technology.

Technorati tags: innovation environment carbon emissions technology policy