An evaluattion of the adoption levels of green IT practices and their implications on competitiveness: The case of NMB Bank Limited (2007 to 2013)

Abstract

Organisations across the world together with governments have recently been giving unprecedented attention to environmental issues. Green IT has emerged as one key element in efforts to reverse global warming, and reducing the environmental footprint as organisations conduct business. These initiatives come in the form of improving efficiencies of ICT hardware systems in order to reduce emissions into the environment; ICTs replacing traditional environmental polluters; and offering ICT based solutions in all facets of life in order to eliminate or reduce environmental impact. Green IT does not only benefit the environment, but has a triple bottom line effect of environmental (planet), social (people), and economic (profit) benefits. Such technologies like virtualisation and VoIP over computer networks, combined with practices like printing reduction, and switching off computer equipment when it is not in use, are all Green IT aspects that can significantly reduce energy consumption thereby reducing carbon emissions in the power generation process. Green IT offers business opportunities of improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and green branding, all of which can provide sustainable competitive advantages. This study sought to investigate the adoption levels of Green IT practices and the implications on competitiveness in NMB Bank, which operates in Zimbabwe. The study also looked at practices already in place that are Green IT compliant, as well as assessing the competitiveness of the bank, and the challenges being faced in implementing Green IT initiatives. The case study approach was used with focus being on the period from the year 2007 to 2013. The study concluded that there are some practices and technologies in NMB Bank that are Green IT compliant. However the level of adoption of Green IT is generally low mainly because there is no clear Green IT governance framework and strategy in the bank. The bank is generally highly competitive in its industry and can ride on existing infrastructure and systems to implement Green IT initiatives and become even more competitive. The study recommends a decentralised Green IT governance structure, and the environmental cost leadership strategy of Green IT. Follow up studies can be done on whether statutory bodies responsible for environmental management in Zimbabwe have embraced Green IT and what is it that they are doing to promote Green IT adoption by banks.