25 June 2010

The Green IT specialist group of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, is putting on a conference with a difference: how computing can help tackle the challenges of climate change.

EcoComputing Camp 2010, which is free of charge and open to BCS members and non-members alike, is being held on 3 July.

The event is being run in the increasing popular ‘un-conference’ or ‘bar camp’ style. With an improvised agenda and four meeting spaces, anyone attending can propose themes and run a discussion workshop. About a dozen themes have already been put forward for inclusion, such as improving travel logistics and  transport information, climate change modelling, ‘green’ document  management, and the pros and cons of tele-working.

Bob Crooks, the group’s chair, says: “There has been much discussion about the impact of computing on the environment. However, computing can also make a significant positive contribution to everything from optimising the use of energy and other resources, through to providing more efficient solutions to business operations. It is also an essential tool for earth observation and climate change modelling, and prediction activities.”

“We hope that delegates will come with contributions, issues and an open mind, to help us all understand better how ICT can be used to do more to deal with the environmental and efficiency challenges we face today.”

The Green IT specialist group will gather any ideas thrown up at the event for wider sharing, and to inform its future activities.

EcoComputing Camp 2010 will take place at BCS, Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA, from 11.30 - 19.30. More information about the event can be found at http://bcs-green-it.wikispaces.com/ 

Although the event is free, places need to be booked in advance, please visit: www.bcs.org/ecocomputing to register your booking.

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