Green Information Technology Strategic Plan - Departmental ...

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A Letter from the Chief Information Officer
Dear Employees, Vendors, and Citizens:
In my youth, our family lived in Beaverton, a suburb of Portland, Oregon. Later in my technology career, I lived in Denver,
Colorado. While the landscape and climate is different in these two areas, they have a single thing in common; the people fiercely
compete in the technology world and passionately support nature. With that same love of nature, I have the honor to release
USDA’s first Green IT Plan.
As a leader in the Nation on renewable energy, it is important that USDA’s information technology (IT) “green IT plan” is one of
the best. This document establishes the first steps in supporting great environmental practices. “Green IT” equipment, methods
and technology are changing daily. Therefore, USDA will update this report annually and release the document on Earth Day.
Also, on Earth Day, USDA will release results comparable to the target measurements contained in this document.
As we started the development of this plan we desired two things. First, we desired a document that could be used as a template
for companies around the world. Second, we believed that USDA could become the leader in the Federal Government for
environmentally responsible information technology.
By following this plan, USDA will reduce several hundred tons of carbon each year, reduce harmful waste, and conserve energy.
“Green IT” has another aspect that is highly important to the government; it supports the best practices in security, reduces
expenses, and helps retain employees. Through environmental responsibility we all win!
Charles R. Christopherson, Jr.
United States Department of Agriculture
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Information Officer
4 Green Information Technology Strategic Plan