Reg Tech Panel Oh no, not another 'green' report. Yep. But this time it's the result of teamwork between you (well, the 1474 of you who responded to our survey), The Register and FreeForm Dynamics.

Green Computing: the role of IT in the push towards environmental sustainability has a good rummage round inside organisations to find out what's really going on and what might be coming down the track. It also provides a set of recommendations which go way beyond the usual 'consolidate and virtualise' type of IT-centric green guidelines.

Some aspects of the report may not surprise you but they will anchor your suspicions in reality. For example, money and regulation are the top two drivers for environmental initiatives, closely followed by reputational issues. Few organizations consider 'green' itself as much of a driver. Pragmatism rules, as ever.

Having said that, even if you are familiar with the subject matter, this report brings something rare to the party: a research-based look at what's actually happening and some strong guidance on the role of IT as part of a broader organisational environmental strategy. Before this can happen though, a change of heart towards IT needs to happen. At the moment, a minority of organisations view IT as an enabler of business advantage.

The report offers a starting point to help businesses and IT, or ICT to be more accurate, to work together and realise the increased value that a concerted approach can bring to the company's bottom line. And, as a by-product, contribute to the organisation's environmental credentials.

Download the full report free of charge here