synergia

Today is Earth Day. To commemorate this day that commemorates the earth, I’d like to explore the issue of carbon neutrality within the ICT industry.

Kenya Data Networks have been using the term quite freely in the recent past in their attempt to be identified as an environmentally responsible brand. Being carbon neutral is therefore very important to them. However, I think better than being carbon neutral is being ‘carbon-less’. How about zero emissions?

KDN still uses a lot of diesel and regular electricity to power its infrastructure. It is now looking to put up digital villages as part of its CSR initiatives and to improve Internet penetration. My bet is that they will use regular computer equipment powered from the grid or diesel power. Carbon is still being emitted. Exactly HOW are they going about being carbon neutral?

I would like to see a 100% solar powered data network with digital villages that run on alternative energy as well. Using thin clients and an Ubuntu server running LTSP5, we were able to setup a 10-workstation cyber cafe with a LaserJet printer. Our total power consumption was below 1KVA making it possible to switch to solar power to run the cafe without incurring huge costs. For starters, I think KDN should consider using socially responsible software (read open source) in those ‘villages’, using solar to power them and using solar powered base stations on their infrastructure. They will produce less carbon that way which is what they should be investing in if going green is that important to them.

Let us consider investing more in carbon reduction rather than carbon offsetting which is what ‘carbon neutral’ is all about.

What do you think?

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