October 28, 2008
Governor Promotes Government Openness and Savings Strategy
GITA Encourages Cost Saving Measures through Green IT
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano has called upon agencies to seek out budget
saving opportunities and best practices to get through the State’s current
budget shortfall. Through the Arizona Openness
and Savings Strategy (AZ-OSS) project, State agencies are encouraged to
share budget savings ideas.
To meet the goals of the AZ-OSS project, and Governor Napolitano’s Executive
Order on
Climate Change Action (pdf), the Government
Information Technology Agency has issued new technology policies to address best
practices for the implementation of green technologies and disposal of
electronic components reduction throughout state government.
| “GITA is bringing
the benefits of green technology to the forefront of the state’s
efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, minimize waste, lessen
environmental impacts, and reduce costs throughout the State,”
Governor Janet
Napolitano. |
In updating the
Information Technology Policy (pdf), GITA has
taken advantage of the synergies between green technologies and budget saving
measures. Some of the benefits of green technologies are demonstrated through
the use of efficient technologies that reduce power consumption and save on
energy costs. In addition, there are many affordable and environmentally
friendly technology products that have fewer hazardous materials and a lesser
impact on the State’s ecosystem.
“In tight budget times, the State of Arizona must be ever vigilant in its
efforts to save money,” said State CIO Chris Cummiskey. “Our revised Information
Technology Policy is a smart way for agencies to save money, while at the same
time preserving energy and natural resources.”
New
Green IT best practices include:
• Reducing energy costs by using equipment that meets Energy Star
specifications.
• Utilizing the State’s Take-Back-Recycling Program when replacing or
displacing IT equipment.
• Using environmentally preferable purchasing practices when procuring IT
hardware and other products.
• Recycling printer/toner cartridges, paper waste and other products when no
longer needed.
• Adhering to federal and state Hazardous and Universal Waste Regulations
for the disposal of technologies that are hazardous and toxic in nature.
Find more Green IT ideas and best practices at
GITA Goes Green.
