Towards Clean Information and Communication Technology Campaign in Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accounts for about 2% of total Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This figure is likely to grow if the use of ICT keeps on growing unmanaged. Rapid technological advances have contributed to this situation in unanticipated ways. The adverse effects of GHG include global warming, increased pollution levels, harmful effects to the environment and depleting natural resources. This has raised concerns in the ICT industry worldwide, prompting an increasing number of organizations to implement measures geared towards reducing their carbon footprints. As such, the study presented here sought to outline how green ICT strives to address the GHG adverse effects. Green ICT is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently to achieve economic viability and improved system performance and use while abiding by the social and ethical responsibilities. Green ICT includes the dimensions of environmental sustainability, the economics of energy efficiency, and the total cost of ownership, which includes the cost of disposal and recycling of ICT equipment. Green ICT therefore relates to acquisition, usage and disposal of ICT equipment in an environmentally friendly manner. Therefore, in a survey design that relied on interviews, questionnaires and relevant documents to access information, the current research study set out to determine whether green ICT is implemented in public Universities in Kenya. In addition, the study determined the implementation of green ICT in these institutions. Results from this study would benefit policy makers and other stake holders in public Universities in Kenya, in order to help start thinking and discussing potential role the ICT sector can play in the Universities’ transition to low carbon emissions, and the steps that can be taken to accelerate that transition.