Green IT solutions can bring small businesses cost savings.

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Small businesses increasingly rely on technology to help the environment and save money, according to results of a survey released today. Findings show that 60 percent of small-business decision-makers save money by using sustainable technologies.

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The telephone survey -- conducted on behalf of Microsoft Corp. by KRC Research -- of 250 small-business IT decision-makers nationwide discovered a growing focus on environmental concerns. Thirty-eight percent of respondents reported that their companies are more focused on being environmentally friendly than they were one year ago.

An overwhelming majority (69 percent) of respondents reported that environmentally friendly practices are important for their business. When it comes to methods for greening their business, 94 percent of those surveyed also believe technology is an important tool to help accomplish that goal.

'Technology can play a significant role in helping businesses lower their impact on the environment,' said Francois Ajenstat, director of environmental sustainability at Microsoft. 'Microsoft helps by reducing the energy consumption of technology, helping manage environment footprint and rethinking business practices. This enables organizations to improve both their bottom line and the sustainability of their operations.'

The survey results reveal practices that small businesses see as most beneficial for the environment. Respondents identified a paperless office as the No. 1 green IT practice they feel also offers the greatest cost savings.

One survey participant, Joseph Hommel, chief operating officer and co- owner of Maui Office Machines and Furnishings, considers environmental practices for his business a natural extension of his personal lifestyle.

'Living and working on an island, being green is a necessity,' Hommel said. 'To practice paperless communication, we use Microsoft Outlook to handle all client proposals. By sending everything electronically, we are able to include color and images in proposals easily for more effective communications.