IT outsourcing can help businesses become more eco-friendly, according to an expert.

Industry analyst Martyn Hart said that outsourcing had become “one of the buzzwords of 2010″ as more firms adopted it was a way of improving performance, but they stand to gain more than just cost savings.

“Despite popular belief – often perpetuated by the media, its value-added impact is a lot more than just cost-saving. Risk mitigation and reducing carbon emissions also have a key role to play,” Mr Hart said on ComputerWorldUK.com.

With the economic recovery now gathering pace, more businesses are resuming their focus on green issues and IT outsourcing providers can help them meet targets on CO2 emissions, said Mr Hart.

Reducing wastage, increasing efficiency and simplifying compliance are some of the key benefits which providers offer to clients, he concluded.

Earlier this year, Numara Software’s chief executive David Weiss said firms are under increasing pressure to confront green issues and provide more environmentally-friendly means of operating.