|
I chose to delay the new technology piece until next month because of increased attention on the issue of energy efficiency in computing habits, or "Green Computing."
As energy costs increase, many of us are on the lookout for techniques to increase our energy efficiency and shrink our "carbon footprint." Here is some interesting information on energy consumption as it relates to computing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
What is "Green Computing"?
"Green Computing" is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently.
The goals of a "Green Computing" initiative are to:
- Reduce the use of hazardous materials
- Maximize energy efficiency during the product's lifetime
- Promote recyclability or biodegradability of defunct products and factory waste.
Many large corporations are turning to new methods of conserving energy in order to lower operating costs. The more business depends on computers and server farms to operate, the more significant the amount of energy used by these systems becomes.
A "Green Computing" Policy includes the following approaches:
Virtualization - The implementation of "Virtual Servers" that run multiple operating systems on one physical computer.
Power Management - Efficient use of energy for power supplies, displays and processors
Recyclability - Increasing use of recycled components in consumable and reallocation of obsolete equipment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
How Big of a Problem is Computer Energy Usage?
Consider the following facts:*
- Nearly half the power consumed by your personal computer is wasted, and is never actually utilized by the system's components
- 90% of all computers have Energy Management functionality disabled
- 25% of the electricity used by your computer is consumed while the computer is turned off.
- One computer left on 24 hours a day costs you between $115 and $160 in electricity costs annually while dumping 1,500 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere.
- A tree absorbs between 3 and 15 pounds of CO2 each year. That means up to 500 trees are needed to offset the annual emissions of one computer left on all the time!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What Can You Do?
Turn your computer off at night. You'll save 67% per year. It takes less energy to start up a computer than to have one up and running for more than 3 minutes.
Enable Power Management. In Windows XP go to Control Panel, then Power Options. Set the display to turn off after 15 minutes and Hard Drives to turn off after 25 minutes. Enable Suspend or Hibernation after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Unplug it. Even when your computer is off, computers pull "vampire loads." That is, they continue to pull 25% of their normal wattage even when turned off! Unplug the computer from the wall if you won't be using it for an extended time, or use a surge protector or battery backup that can sense when your computer is off and cut all electricity to your equipment.
Virtualize. Many businesses that have a need for a second server can host a virtual server on existing equipment that will perform the function without adding to the energy consumption of the organization.
Buy a flat screen display. TFT panels use far less power that old crt monitors. Don't think that screensavers save electricity. set the display to turn off after a period of time.
Use a laptop. They are more efficient than desktop PC's.
Inkjet instead of laser. Inkjet printers use 90% less energy. Read docs on the screen rather than printing them. Turn your printer off when not in use.
Redistribute or recycle old equipment. Third world countries and the disadvantaged or disabled would love to have your old computer equipment. For info on what to do with your old computers, you can visit www.goodwill.org or the EPA.
Follow these practices and you can save hundreds per year and help the environment at the same time. If we all do a little it adds up to a lot.
* From APC's Green Computing Guide.
For information on energy efficient battery backups and surge protectors, or for information on setting up power management for your home or office, please call 864.232.1234. | 
