Two for one deal: Telecom can save billions while reducing energy consumption

There are several hurdles to acceptance of communications technology to improve efficiency and cut energy use. For one thing, people who make technology purchase decisions often have no incentives to cut energy consumption. For another, telecom industry standards are not in place to measure and compare the energy savings of competing technologies.    

Industry groups are working on standards to monitor energy efficiency and make more informed decisions. We are seeing signs of changing government regulatory and tax policies that create new incentives to make choices that cut greenhouse gases.

In his planned economic stimulus package, President Obama reflects understanding of the role that information technology and networked communications can play in reviving the economy and making us more efficient and environmentally sustainable. This is a hopeful sign. While addressing the nation’s economic problems is paramount now, it’s important to spend smartly today to maximize the value created tomorrow.

A hundred billion here and hundred billion there needn’t be money borrowed from future generations. It could consist of investments that will provide cost savings for future generations.