With computing centres increasingly being regarded as the "heavy industry" of tomorrow Alchemy Plus' plans for building one of the country's most eco-friendly computing centres are winning plaudits from both the IT industry and environmentalists alike.

Costing the Earth on Radio 4 looks at man's effect on the environment and how the environment reacts, questioning accepted truths, challenging those in charge and reporting on progress towards improving the world.

In addition to a cooler climate reducing energy needs, the Highlands, well known for its long established hydro-power infrastructure, is also at the forefront of renewable wind and marine power development in the UK. 

Alchemy's three pronged approach:

• using leading edge technologies such as virtualisation to reduce equipment power consumption
   
• utilising green energy power supplies; and
   
• recycling waste heat to support neighbouring business premises

is seen as one of the industry's most innovative and holistic approaches to reducing computing centre power consumption.

Businesses and indiviudals are becoming ever more environmentally aware and often it is diffcult to balance "green" ideals against the commercial pressures of one of the worst economic recessions witnessed by our generation. By delivering cloud and utility computing solutions from a purpose built eco-friendly facility Alchemy is set to dramatically reduce IT costs for its customers while at the same time reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. 

Commenting on the development, Steve Chisholm, CEO said "Information Technology is playing an ever greater role in business. All organisations, from sole proprietors through to large corporate organisations are looking to reduce IT costs and add greater value to their businesses. Our hosted services can deliver such improvements in way which also benefits the environment and it comes as no surprise to see a growing number of enquiries from businesses of all sizes."