Can it help my company?

There are some steps IT departments can take toward becoming green that don't cost a lot. You can start by reminding your IT staff to turn off their PCs or shut off the lights before leaving for the day—and championing such behavior companywide.

Meanwhile, there are many IT investments you probably want to make anyway that will also reduce your impact on the environment. Virtualization technologies, server consolidation, PC power management and deployment of more efficient equipment when you do a refresh can reduce energy consumption while simultaneously improving IT operations.

Then, there are the intangible benefits. Mines says a green reputation helps with employee retention and recruitment. Employers "see the surveys that say young people are greener, and that's a differentiator for them in the war for talent." There's some evidence that more people seek to do business with companies that offer green services and products, or that have a proven track record in corporate social responsibility. An October 2007 study on climate change conducted by Accenture found that nine out of 10 consumers worldwide would switch to energy providers whose products and services are designed to reduce carbon emissions, even if it meant having to pay a little extra.

Systems you need to comply with environmental regulations may cost you, and there's not much you can do about it. But there is packaged software that can help. For example, Synapsis, a software and consulting company, offers an Environmental Material Aggregation and Reporting System, which helps companies track, manage and report the material content of their products. The application also helps with reporting on compliance with E.U. environmental regulations. Eviance offers similar tools for environmental health and safety management and compliance reporting.