An Assessment of Green ICT Effect on Sustainable Environment in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya

Abstract

There is increasing pressure on institutions of higher learning to adopt more sustainable approaches to ICT use.ICT has made significant impact in institution of higher learning and whether the effects are largely positive or negative it is not evident. The study sought to determine effect that green ICT has had on sustainable environment and how effective green ICT management is in institutions of higher learning in Kenya. There are those users who perceive that green ICT has value and others who hold opposing views. Explanatory research design was used. A survey of 67 institutions of higher learning in Kenya was done using random sampling while specific elements under study were identified using purposive sampling. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to explore the depth and breadth of green ICT effect and its management. The findings showed that green ICT effect is still on the negative side where institutions of higher learning in Kenya do not manage power despite installing energy efficient equipment this direct effect leads to huge power bills and global warming; there is incomplete substitution and lack of realization of optimization of enabling effect of green ICT solution and also systematic effect resulting from green ICT includes induction of other product and re-materialization. Further the study revealed that there was a positive indicator where institutions of higher learning consolidate and reduce printing, dispose equipment based on government disposal laws hence reducing cost of purchasing hardware and toxic materials from e-waste. Challenges related to green ICT management include low awareness, uncertainty in return on investment, constrained collaboration and scarcity of financial resources in institutions of higher learning. The study recommends that institutions of higher learning in Kenya should focus on a framework for implementing green ICT policies. Key Words: Green ICT, Green ICT Effect, Sustainable Environment, Green ICT Management.