IBM believes that the role of IT in energy management is gradually being recognized, and the time is ripe to adopt integrated intelligent systems to solve energy and environmental problems.
Growing societal concern for environmental issues, increasing public pressure, stricter policies and industry regulations, and the industry's spontaneous need to reduce high energy costs are all prompting global companies to transform their existing business operations. Many industries are undergoing three stages of development: from meeting environmental requirements to environmental risk management, and finally to long-term sustainable development.
To accelerate this transformation, businesses are no longer solely focused on reducing IT energy consumption and strengthening data centers; IT is even becoming a key solution to energy problems. Simultaneously, IT is gradually shedding its stigma as a major energy consumer and environmental killer. Alfred Zollar, Global General Manager of Tivoli Software at IBM Software Group, believes that while IT accounts for 2% of global carbon emissions, it can help control and reduce 98% of carbon emissions generated by other activities and industries. In fact, comprehensive IT support is needed in areas such as environmental market planning, eco-communication, and carbon management.
“The role of IT in energy management has been increasingly recognized, and the time is ripe to adopt comprehensive intelligent systems to address energy and environmental issues,” said Alfred Zollar. “IBM has also begun its efforts to improve the efficiency of current systems and support customers’ ‘green’ strategies.” People are now adopting new technologies to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, vehicles, and industrial processes; using new methods to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; and making wider use of renewable energy. These efforts in energy supply, energy conservation, and climate protection undoubtedly require the assistance of IT systems.
IBM has announced five initiatives for its energy and environmental strategy. The first is energy-saving technologies and services, aimed at reducing users' energy costs through virtualization, intelligent power management, and the design and integration of energy-efficient data centers. In fact, last May, IBM announced an additional $1 billion annually to accelerate this work.
Secondly, there's the Intelligent Utility Network. The increasing digitization of global energy networks is creating a smart network, and IBM's Intelligent Utility Network supports energy utilities in improving energy efficiency and using more renewable energy. According to Alfred Zollar, the Intelligent Utility Network provides decision support to power suppliers through a continuously sensing IP network connecting key components of utilities (from equipment to control systems to applications and staff). Simultaneously, it provides uninterrupted monitoring and feedback on utilities' assets and operations to improve system reliability, flexibility, and operational efficiency, while enhancing corporate environmental awareness and management capabilities.
Thirdly, there are intelligent transportation systems (ITS), which apply information and communication technologies to transportation infrastructure and vehicles to effectively manage congestion, reduce carbon emissions, improve the public transport user experience, and optimize transportation networks using information and analytics. Through the application of ITS, congestion on major urban roads can be monitored and predicted in real time, allowing for timely measures to reduce traffic jams, such as charging drivers who enter the city center at specific times. "After adopting IBM's solution, Stockholm experienced a 25% reduction in peak-hour traffic congestion and a 15% reduction in carbon emissions," explained Alfred Zollar.
Furthermore, as part of the Big Green Innovations initiative, IBM is applying its experience in network intelligence and utilities and transportation infrastructure management to water management. "We will also leverage our strengths in nanotechnology to reduce product manufacturing costs," said Alfred Zollar.
Finally, there's carbon management. In an environment of increasing "carbon awareness," IBM has developed a range of carbon management consulting capabilities to help clients understand and manage their greenhouse gas emissions and develop specific measures to control and manage their carbon footprint across their supply chains, construction, IT, and products.
– Reference source: Xinhua News Agency
– Translated by Plastic Industry Technology Development Center
– For reference only, please refer to the original text
