Environmental friendliness is set to be one of the "major" themes of Europe's largest information technology (IT) exhibitions.The four-day CeBIT show, which begins today, will highlight both the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of the IT industry and examine ways in which green IT strategies can be employed.As cited by AFP, German magazine Stern reported that the equivalent of 14 power stations are needed for the world's internet users, which means the IT industry has roughly the same environmental impact as the aviation industry."When you look at non-travel power consumption in the world today perhaps PCs and IT are the most rapidly growing power consumers on the planet," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer during a news conference to launch the event.Among the displays at the exhibition will be a solar-powered data centre, as well as a warehouse-sized hall devoted to green IT strategy.It is thought that up to 400,000 visitors will attend the trade show, which is being held in Hanover, Germany.
