Towards Sustainable IT Infrastructure: Integrating Green Computing with Data Warehouse and Big Data Technologies to Enhance Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility
Jennifer Chinelo Ugonnia
Ulster University, Centre City House, 7 Hill St, Birmingham B5 4UA, United Kingdom.
Oluwaseun Oladeji Olaniyi
*
University of the Cumberlands, 104 Maple Drive, Williamsburg, KY 40769, United States of America.
Folashade Gloria Olaniyi
University of the People, 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 623, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States of America.
Abiodun Aliyah Arigbabu
Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Tunbosun Oyewale Oladoyinbo
University of Maryland Global Campus, 3501 University Blvd E, Adelphi, MD 20783, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research examines the integration of green computing practices within data warehousing and big data technologies, focusing on their effects on organizational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The increasing reliance on information technology in business operations has led to significant environmental implications, including increased energy consumption and carbon emissions. This study explores how sustainable IT practices, specifically green computing, can be effectively integrated with data warehouses and big data technologies to address these challenges. A quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed among 389 IT professionals selected through purposive sampling. The data collected were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify relationships between green computing integration, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and operational efficiency. Findings from the study indicate a significant negative relationship between green computing practices and energy consumption and emissions, suggesting that integrating green computing can substantially reduce environmental impacts. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between green computing integration and operational efficiency, highlighting the operational benefits of sustainable IT practices. Despite potential challenges such as initial costs and expertise requirements, the benefits of integrating green computing within data warehousing and big data technologies are clear, offering pathways to enhanced sustainability and efficiency. The study concludes that adopting green computing practices is a strategic move towards environmental responsibility and a means to achieve operational improvements and cost savings. Recommendations include developing comprehensive green computing strategies, investing in energy-efficient technologies, enhancing employee expertise in sustainable practices, and continuously monitoring and optimizing IT infrastructures for sustainability.
Keywords: Green computing; data warehousing, big data technologies, sustainable IT practices, energy consumption, carbon emissions, operational efficiency, environmental sustainability