Green Technology for Green Schools
Howard C. Woodard, Robert L. Orr · Advances in educational marketing, administration, and leadership book series · 2014
Technology systems typically are high-energy consumers especially when considering the distinct number of systems encountered in education. Efforts at curbing this consumption to create an efficient technology environment require well-developed tactical and strategic plans. Organizations can begin this journey by developing a road map for a sustainability program. Three technologies, cloud computing, server virtualization, and desktop virtualization, offer great promise and should be a part of the green roadmap for schools. Cloud computing capitalizes on the power of broadband networking to engage needed resources regardless of location and thus creates synergies to reduce energy consumption. Server virtualization allows the school to reduce the number of servers needed while increasing server optimization within the organization. Desktop virtualization meets multiple goals and objectives; it reduces energy and lowers related costs, while at the same time providing more control and flexibility in meeting the technology needs of the organization. This chapter discusses these technologies, their impact, and encourages school administrators to develop strategic as well as tactical plans for creating an energy efficient technology approach.