Information and Knowledge Management using ArcGIS ModelBuilder

Theoretical Discussion: Green IT and its Development in
South Africa
Grant Howard 1 and Sam Lubbe 2
1 School of Computing, UNISA, Florida, South Africa
2 North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa
Grant.Howard@vodamail.co.za
Sam.Lubbe@nwu.ac.za
Abstract: The Human Race depends on Earth’s finite natural resources for its survival. Green literature claims
that Green principles and practices are a necessity to sustain Earth’s finite natural resources. In contrast, anti-
Green literature refutes these claims. Green IT or Green Information Technology is a view on Information
Technology (IT) as it relates to Green principles and practices. IT is seen as a contravener and promoter of
Green principles and practices. Green IT proposes radical IT changes to minimise contraventions and maximise
promotions of Green principles and practices. Importantly, these changes have significant environmental,
economic, and social consequences, both negative and positive. Specifically, IT is seen as a contravener of
Green principles and practices primarily by the production of electronic waste (e-waste) and the consumption of
paper and energy resources. In contrast, IT is seen as a promoter of Green principles and practices by its ability
to reduce environmental impacts in all facets of society through information production and alternative processes
creation. Worldwide and especially in the South African context, Green IT research is scant. This paper aims to
reduce this gap by providing a theoretical discussion about Green IT and its development in South Africa. The
objective of this paper is to present and explore the salient theoretical constructs relating to Green IT in order to
provide a coherent view on Green IT and Green IT in South Africa. The conclusion will be in the form of a
conceptualisation of Green IT and Green IT in South Africa. The point of departure for this paper is green
literature, both supporting literature and opposing literature. This is critical because Green principles and
practices are the theoretical foundation for Green IT. Thereafter Green IT and Green IT in South Africa are
explored. This paper will give the reader a considered inspection of Green IT, its development in South Africa,
and its relationship to Green principles and practices.
Keywords: environment; green IT; green principles and practices; IT sustainability; South Africa
1. Introduction
The theoretical discussion about Green IT and its development in South Africa is based on current,
relevant research. Green IT research is gaining impetus, however there is still much to address. The
following theoretical discussion is a synthesis of relevant, contemporary themes and provides a
coherent perspective on Green IT and its development in South Africa.
Following the introduction is a description of the methodology employed. Thereafter the theoretical
discussion is presented. The theoretical discussion follows the high-level logic presented in Table 1.
The high-level logic is formed from the relevant themes presented in Table 2.
Table 1: High-level logic of the paper
# Relevant themes
High-level logic
Green Principles and
Practices
Anti-Green
Green IT Introduction
IT as a Green Contravener
and Green Promoter
Environmental sustainability X
Global warming X
Natural climate change X
Green for profit only X
Green IT/IS X
IT as a Green contravener X
IT as a Green promoter X
Product life-cycle changes X
Consumption changes X
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Radical IT Changes
Environmental, Economic,
and Social Consequences
Development of Green IT in
South Africa