**GAO-11-638**                      Published: Jul 28, 2011. Publicly Released: Aug 04, 2011.                  

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## Highlights

The federal government's substantial use of information technology (IT) contributes significantly to federal agencies' energy use and environmental impact. To help mitigate this impact, organizations have adopted practices for using computing resources in a sustainable and more environmentally friendly manner-- sometimes referred to as "green IT." These practices include equipment acquisition, use, disposal, and related processes. GAO was asked to (1) determine the extent to which the government has defined policy and guidance on green IT and how selected federal agencies are implementing this policy and guidance, and (2) identify leading green IT practices used by federal agencies, state and local governments, and private-sector organizations. To do this, GAO evaluated federal guidance and policy, as well as guidance and initiatives at selected agencies; identified and characterized efforts in the public and private sectors; and interviewed officials.

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## Topics

Government Operations

Best practicesDocumentationEnvironmental monitoringExecutive ordersFederal agenciesGreen technologyInformation resources managementInformation technologyLocal governmentsPerformance measuresPolicy evaluationPrivate sectorState governmentsStrategic planning