Cutting operating costs, not environmental damage, remains key motivator

The survey, which questioned UK based IT and data centre professionals, on the issues of power and the environment, reveals that 80.3% believe rising power costs are a major concern to their business – with 73.5% concerned that increasing environmental legislation also represents a significant challenge. The study also suggests that, when it comes to purchasing capital equipment, 81.6% view energy efficiency as the most significant consideration, with 75.6% already having a carbon reduction policy in place. However, when questioned on their motivating factors for change, most went for reducing operational costs. 62.7% of respondents claimed curtailing overheads was their primary driver, compared to only 26.9% citing environmental considerations as the biggest motivating factor. David Renton, UPSL managing director, says: "[This survey] demonstrates that, despite the increasing need to be environmentally responsible, these considerations are still playing second fiddle to keeping a tight control on operating costs. With the price of energy rising every year, combined with increasing material costs and constant technological developments, many businesses are having a hard time keeping IT departments within budget, and savings are having to be made in every area."