Despite the savings from adopting green IT improvements, most small- and medium-sized companies still have yet to do it. What’s holding them back from the chance to cut operating expenses?

The problem breaks down to the old adage, it takes money to make money.

A new survey by CDW consultants finds that only 23% of small companies (those with fewer than 100 employees) have made the move to green IT. By contrast, 66% of large companies (those with more than 1,000 employees) have already made the move.

CDW’s Green IT Survey reveals that companies admit that the cost of the upgrades is holding them back. Other problems faced by small- and mid-sized companies include lack of expertise and a lack of internal know-how to make the switch.

However, this resistance to embracing green IT is changing.

The CDW survey also reveals that the numbers of companies planning on making an upgrade within the next two years is increasing. 31% of small companies plan to upgrade and 23% of medium-sized companies surveyed said they’d be upgrading.

There is money to be saved by investing in green IT technology because it cuts your company’s energy usage. Last month, 51% companies told CDW that they had cut operating costs by an average of $53,000 a year thanks to green IT upgrades.

But CDW’s most recent survey also reveals that money is not the only green IT driver. While 38% cite financial reasons for upgrading, 55% say their primary motivation is saving the environment. Another 45% say they’re interested in green IT because it enhances their company’s reputation.

Tags: CDW, Green IT