According to the results of a recent Microsoft survey, small businesses increasingly rely on technology to help the environment and save money. In fact, 60 percent of small biz decision-makers save money by using sustainable technologies.

• Thirty-eight percent of respondents reported that their companies are more focused on being environmentally friendly than they were one year ago.
• 69 percent of respondents reported that environmentally friendly practices are important for their business.
• 94 percent believe technology is an important tool to help accomplish the greening of their business

All this greening up is good for Microsoft too. "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," said Francois Ajenstat, director of environmental sustainability at Microsoft. The survey results highlight sustainable practices that small-business decision-makers believe represent the most savings potential for their business including the following:

• Setting up standards to manage power consumption for computers, such as setting computers or monitors to sleep mode after a period of not being used (28 percent)
• Allowing employees to telecommute (26 percent)
• Upgrading server infrastructure with the most energy-efficient technology available (16 percent)
• Using mobile technology (15 percent)
• Conducting live meetings that share resources over the Web such as presentations (14 percent)