Believe it or not, even computer software applications are going green. Software vendors are competing for shrinking IT budgets by touting products that can save energy, save money, and save the environment. You can do all things that everyone else does - buy a Toyota Prius hybrid or even cycle to work (as long as you avoid Lycra and silly helmets). You can scribble notes on recycled paper with a pencil (made of wood from managed forests) and turn your machine off standby. You can even diligently recycle your printer ink cartridges and offset your energy consumption by planting a few trees.
But none of this has anything specifically to do with making software or the effects it has on the wider world. Unlike hardware builders, software developers can't build a greener product by using alternative materials. Which raises the question - can you write green software? The answer is definitely positive. Here are some examples.
Autodesk - As a product and building design. In terms of overall impact, the company will likely have a greater influence than anyone else on the list in terms of improving energy efficiency in buildings, reducing the amount of raw materials in manufactured goods, and replacing fossil fuels. But be honest, seeing Sustainable on this list is more of a surprise. Honorable mention: Bentley Systems, which makes simulation and design tools for HVAC engineers.
GridPoint - The company's SmartGrid Platform aims to become a nerve center for utilities: swapping power loads, monitoring renewable production, allowing safe charging for electric cars. Ideally, it is the sort of system that could put demand response companies out of business by giving utilities the tools to control consumption. XcelEnergy selected the company to participate in SmartGridCity. In a lot of ways, you could say it's equal to emeter.
Hara - this company is liked by people because they don't yammer on about the importance of carbon accounting, which, in most parts of the world, remains voluntary.Instead, the company tries to give a comprehensive view of the "organizational metabolism," according to CEO Amit Chatterjee said. If a company is mostly concerned about reducing energy costs, or water consumption, the remedial recommendations will be skewed toward the desired result or a blend of goals.
eSolar - I like this one best. It's a solar thermal company on paper, but a pillar of its strategy is the software that orchestrates the movement of reflective heliostats to optimize the production of heat in a boiler on top of a tower. The heat needs to remain even, sort of like making a crème brulée. BrightSource Energy has created similar software but the odds are far greater that eSolar will transform itself into a software company. Brightsource has power plant deals and the execs all come from the energy world. eSolar's Bill Gross hails from the internet. But the question is who buys it: Are there customers beyond the handful of solar thermal vendors?
GreenRoad - It puts a piece of hardware in your car that studies your driving habits. The data is then downloaded to a software application that tells you on ways that you can save gas and reduce accidents by changing your driving habits. Don't accelerate so much, it might say, or why don't you clean your floor mats. They're gross.
There are still more green software making companies out there. Personal dream: all software go green and free one day!
But none of this has anything specifically to do with making software or the effects it has on the wider world. Unlike hardware builders, software developers can't build a greener product by using alternative materials. Which raises the question - can you write green software? The answer is definitely positive. Here are some examples.
Autodesk - As a product and building design. In terms of overall impact, the company will likely have a greater influence than anyone else on the list in terms of improving energy efficiency in buildings, reducing the amount of raw materials in manufactured goods, and replacing fossil fuels. But be honest, seeing Sustainable on this list is more of a surprise. Honorable mention: Bentley Systems, which makes simulation and design tools for HVAC engineers.
GridPoint - The company's SmartGrid Platform aims to become a nerve center for utilities: swapping power loads, monitoring renewable production, allowing safe charging for electric cars. Ideally, it is the sort of system that could put demand response companies out of business by giving utilities the tools to control consumption. XcelEnergy selected the company to participate in SmartGridCity. In a lot of ways, you could say it's equal to emeter.
Hara - this company is liked by people because they don't yammer on about the importance of carbon accounting, which, in most parts of the world, remains voluntary.Instead, the company tries to give a comprehensive view of the "organizational metabolism," according to CEO Amit Chatterjee said. If a company is mostly concerned about reducing energy costs, or water consumption, the remedial recommendations will be skewed toward the desired result or a blend of goals.
eSolar - I like this one best. It's a solar thermal company on paper, but a pillar of its strategy is the software that orchestrates the movement of reflective heliostats to optimize the production of heat in a boiler on top of a tower. The heat needs to remain even, sort of like making a crème brulée. BrightSource Energy has created similar software but the odds are far greater that eSolar will transform itself into a software company. Brightsource has power plant deals and the execs all come from the energy world. eSolar's Bill Gross hails from the internet. But the question is who buys it: Are there customers beyond the handful of solar thermal vendors?
GreenRoad - It puts a piece of hardware in your car that studies your driving habits. The data is then downloaded to a software application that tells you on ways that you can save gas and reduce accidents by changing your driving habits. Don't accelerate so much, it might say, or why don't you clean your floor mats. They're gross.
There are still more green software making companies out there. Personal dream: all software go green and free one day!
Posted 20th September in: stay grounded,
