IT environment group strengthens government links

Recently established environmental organisation, Computers Off, has appointed its first CEO/economist as it looks to build links between its IT-based initiatives and government.

Former government lobbyist, Dr Idris Sulaiman, will head up the not-for profit organisation, working alongside Computers Off founder, Mark Winter. The objective of Computers Off is to educate businesses and users on what they can do to reduce their CO2 footprint.

Sulaiman previously worked in the energy efficiency branch within the Australian Department of Environment. His resume also includes stints with global IT training organisation, CompTIA, and the Indonesian IT Federation focusing on ICT development and government procurement, educational institutions and IT for SMEs.

While it was important to lobby government and have adequate regulation and legislation in place, Sulaiman argued the industry also needed to take a proactive role around systems management and environmental policy.

"Law and government isn't the only way to bring about best practice, which is why I joined the Computers Off campaign," Sulaiman said. "We want to set the example in the commercial sector.

"We need to link industry and government environmental standards in order to get Australia up and above the global average."

Winter, who is also the sales and marketing director at wireless distributor, InTechnology, said he originally devised Computers Off as a commercial initiative to encourage resellers and their customers to purchase more energy efficient and greener products. But he soon realised the broader implications and opted to register the campaign as a not-for profit organisation.