Google Places First on Greenpeace Cool IT Leaderboard

Companies that are out to prove that they are turning over a new leaf and going green (no pun intended) like to place high on Greenpeace’s annual Cool IT Leaderboard. For those that do not know, this is a ranking of technology firms and their environmental efforts. Last year, Cisco was able to come out on top. However, it now appears that a new company has come along and claimed first place.

Greenpeace said that Google has climbed to the top spot for a number of reasons. In the end, it all boiled down to the company’s high-profile investment in renewable energy projects. On top of that, the company has been very vocal in its support for United States clean energy policies. Over in Europe, Google has increased its ambition of its climate change targets.

However, some people were upset with the leaderboard again this year. That is because Greenpeace once again failed to list Apple. Greenpeace said that Apple did not meet its ranking criteria, and thus, has been taken off the list. In a statement, Greenpeace said that Apple has, in no way, demonstrated leadership or elected to pursue market opportunities to drive IT energy solutions that many of its competitors have. Despite the fact that Apple has recorded record profits and has large cash reserves, they still fail to invest heavily into green technology.

Another company that people will not find on the list is Facebook. However, this will soon change. In fact, Greenpeace did say that Facebook will be included in next year’s list. This is because the social-networking site has stated that it will find a source of renewable energy to power its company. This would be a huge step up from the current coal-fired power plant that it uses.

Gary Cook, who is an IT analyst for Greenpeace, said that technology firms play a huge role in terms of influence. Google tops the table because it is putting its money where its mouth is. The company is working hard at setting a good example by pumping investments into renewable energy.

He finished up by saying the IT sector might like to consider itself forward-thinking. However, it is keeping far too quiet while the dirty energy industry continues to exert undue influence on both the political process and financial markets. Only the biggest and best companies can stand up against this, and Google is proving that it is one of those companies.