Global IT association CompTIA has launched its first Green IT certificate, which will help organisations use technology to reduce emissions and save money.
CompTIA Strata Green IT will give successful candidates the knowledge and skills to reduce the carbon footprint of their organisation and improve its green credentials through the use of IT.
The certificate will assess skills such as disposal of hazardous materials, preservation of power and virtualisation. Certificate holders will know about different techniques and technologies to enhance Green IT initiatives, including using energy star rated equipment, solid state drives, and renewable energy sources. Beyond this, they will learn to develop and implement an internal IT strategy, understand standards and assessment tools, and ensure the programme delivers a good return on investment.
Strata Green IT is aimed at IT professionals, allowing them to demonstrate they have the technical skills to ensure Green IT policies are implemented, maintained and monitored. The certificate complements the Foundation Certificate in Green IT recently launched by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, aimed at helping policy makers and facilities managers understand regulations, legislation, carbon energy accounting and green IT strategies. The examination is available worldwide through Prometric’s testing systems.
Welcoming the launch of Strata Green IT, Richard French, Product Manager of Green IT for the Institute commented: “We are delighted to be working together in such an important area. As global IT organisations, we feel it is our duty to address key issues like Green IT and support the industry to overcome them.
“Between us, we are meeting the challenge at all levels, to help ensure it is dealt with in the most effective way possible.”
Matthew Poyiadgi, CompTIA European Vice President, explained: “The certificate is launching now in recognition of an increasing need for organisations to cut emissions across the board. The Copenhagen Climate Conference last year highlighted how everyone needs to be doing their bit, and ongoing economic concerns are a constant reminder of the need to cut costs wherever possible.
“For many organisations, Green IT offers untapped potential to reduce both costs and emissions. Holders of the CompTIA and BCS qualifications will have the means to help organisations take advantage of this potential.”
The announcement coincides with introduction of the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme, which comes into force on 1st April, providing incentives to reduce energy use by putting a price on carbon emissions. “We believe IT is a key area that organisations need to look at to meet these ambitious targets,” says Poyiadgi.
QA will be the first UK training provider to offer Strata Green IT. Jeff Payne, Director of Professional Best Practice at QA, comments: “As a leading provider of learning solutions, we recognise the need for courses which provide the understanding and skills necessary for an IT department to recognise the significant role they have to play in helping the business to save money, energy and reduce carbon emissions.
"The CompTIA Strata Green IT is an excellent way for technically orientated IT professionals to validate their skills, and for companies to demonstrate their environmental credentials.”
Study for CompTIA and BCS Green IT exams can be done through accredited training providers across the country, or through independent study using training materials. Information about course materials, training providers and where to take the exams is available through the CompTIA and BCS websites.
The announcement represents part of an ongoing commitment by CompTIA and BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT to ensuring workers have the skills to meet the changing needs of the IT industry.
In December CompTIA launched Strata IT Technology for Sales certification, to help those involved in IT sales effectively engage customers, identify types of technology users, and provide appropriate solutions based on customer requirements, including in Green IT.
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