Interactive goes 100 percent green energy: world first?

Stephen Withers
Monday, 17 November 2008 06:48

Science - Energy

Hosting and disaster recovery provider Interactive has today switched to exclusively green power for its operations, and officially opened its new Melbourne facility.

The IT industry is responsible for an estimated two percent of the world's CO2 emissions, about the same as the airline industry.

Managing director Christopher Ride said Interactive's move to 100 percent green power was motivated by the company's responsibility to future generations. "We're going to make a stand when it comes to green," he said, noting that "it's not cheaper."

However, he did note energy provider AGL's $A2 billion investment in renewable power generation, and that Interactive had a good deal with AGL.

"This is the proudest day in my business life," said Ride.

Company officials quoted Gartner senior analyst Rakesh Kumar as saying in September that "In our research we have not found a data centre provider running their entire operation from 100 percent renewable energy sources."

Interactive expects to spend around $A900,000 on green power this year.

How can Interactive compete when it is paying more for power? See page 2.