U-M Green IT Achievement FAQ

  • What started the Green IT Achievement Program?
  • My department does not follow green IT practices. Where can I get assistance?
  • Do I get credit for good things I’m already doing?
  • Does my department have to do everything on the departmental checklist to be recognized?
  • Does it cost anything to be recognized by the CSCI @ U-M Green IT Achievement Program?
  • Is recognition by department or by building?
  • How is a department defined?
  • What is the benefit of achieving green IT?
  • My unit does not have an IT department. Can we still participate?
  • How much time will it take?
  • How long will recognition last?
  • When is the deadline?
  • When do the awards take place?

    What started the Green IT Achievement Program?
    Desktop and Data Center/Server Room best practices are the core of the CSCI @ U-M program. The Green IT Achievement Program acts as an awareness mechanism to encourage departments to follow our energy-saving recommendations.

    My department does not follow green IT practices. Where can I get assistance?
    Pursuing CSCI @ U-M Green IT Achievement will help you become green in your IT practices. By comparing the Green IT Departmental Checklist with your current practices, you may find out that you are already following some green IT practices, and get ideas of more things you can implement. The CSCI @ U-M web site is a good source of information and has links to more information to help you practice green IT. Share this Quick Guide to Green IT Achievement to help your unit learn about the benefits of the Green IT Achievement Program.

    Do I get credit for good things I’m already doing?
    Yes! You will get credit for existing green IT practices, and by doing more, you can raise your level of achievement.

    Does my department have to do everything on the departmental checklist to be recognized?
    No.You agree to all applicable “Required” items. Additional items are for extra credit toward your achievement level.

    Does it cost anything to be recognized by the CSCI @ U-M Green IT Achievement Program?
    No. The program is offered as part of the two year CSCI @ U-M project.

    Is recognition by department or by building?
    By department since units have more control over the practices within their departments than within their building. Buildings where all of the occupants have made green IT achievements will receive additional recognition.

    How is a department defined?
    Any unit that is recognized by the University as an independent entity may participate.

    What is the benefit of achieving green IT?
    The Green IT Achievement Program shows your department’s commitment to conserve our natural resources through green computing practices. Departments will also have access to the CSCI @ U-M Green IT graphic to use on your web site or print materials. Recognition for departments will be included in our newsletter and on the CSCI@U-M web. You will also receive recommendations for green practices to work on to advance to the next level.

    My unit does not have an IT department. Can we still participate?
    Yes! Many of the best practices can be implemented by individuals as well as IT professionals. You’ll need to identify someone as the IT contact on the application, but please indicate that the individual is not an IT Professional.

    How much time will it take?
    It depends on how much effort you put into it. You can get the bronze level by completing the required items, which should take little time. By implementing more of the CSCI @ U-M best practices, you can increase your achievement level.

    How long does recognition last?
    This program gives you bragging rights for as long as you want to use them! You can say, “Our department was recognized for Green IT Achievement in 2009 and continues to follow green IT best practices.”

    When is the deadline?
    There is no set date to submit the information. Checklists will be accepted through the duration of the project, February 2010. CSCI @ U-M will recommend that Green IT Achievement lives on and if possible, transition the program elsewhere


    When do the awards take place?
    Presenting the awards can happen at any time after the achievement is earned. The Green IT Achievement Team will work around your schedules. We do plan to hold a recognition event in 2010.