Green IT Lightning Round

Join this set of brief presentations for quick summaries of sustainable/green IT projects. Although IT might not be the largest component in your institution's greenhouse gas emissions, it probably constitutes the fastest growing element in your carbon footprint. Come learn what the sustainability agenda means within higher education IT organizations, how to integrate IT into sustainability planning discussions, and which sustainable/green IT projects will provide the greatest return on investment.

Getting Into the Conversation: IT and the Campus Sustainability Committee
Pattie Orr, Baylor University
IT is not often invited to the table when campuses develop sustainability plans, establish committees, or create policy. Learn how IT leaders can not only participate in but also shape the direction of campus sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability: What's In It for IT?
Fred Miller, Furman University
Sustainability initiatives often involve a major focus on a university's energy plan working through the campus facilities department. This presentation will look at how Furman University included information technology as part of the energy conservation planning and how to help your campus understand the benefits of sustainable IT in terms of program and function rather than simple building-energy modeling.

Observations on Climate Change, Campus Commitments, and IT at Maryland Higher Education Institutions
Suresh Balakrishnan, University System of Maryland
Using surveys and interviews conducted last year, this presentation will provide an overview of major sustainability IT initiatives at Maryland higher education institutions, highlighting the trade-offs between project implementation complexity and environmental benefits