Energy Efficiency
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Contents |
Introduction
Computing is not currently environmentally friendly. Things however a slowly changing with business keen to make saving on energy bills.
Potential savings
It is estimated to take about 1.8 ton of chemical, fossil fuels and water to produce a typical desktop computer. Office equipment currently accounts for 15% of total UK energy use. This figure will rise to 30% by 2020. The ICT industry accounts of 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Initiative to save energy
In 2007 all leading ICT companies including Google, Intel they set themselves a target of reducing global carbon dioxide by 50% by 2010. That also reduces emissions from the operating of computers by 54 million tons. This could save more then 5.5 billion.
Shut down and switch off
Putting computers on standby or sleep will save power but not all of it, the same goes for turning the computer but to save all of the energy it is vital to turn it from switch.
Greener computer hardware
Companies such as tranquil PC are selling PCs that use c.12-30w of power compared to the 80-200w consumed by a typical desktop.
Computer recycling
In the UK of January 2007, the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations 2006 were introduced. These implement European Union directive 2002/96/ec. The aim to reduce the quantity of the waste from electrical and electronic equipment is to increase its re-use recovery and recycling. They emphasize manufactures and retailers to reduce, via proper disposal.
Summary
The performance of computers is increasing as is awareness of the cost and the energy required to power them. However because the computer development, can enable greener lifestyle. It can be a problem or a solution better power management and shutdown process is essential during periods of offline. The computer industry is more prepared for rapid change but the damage has been done with companies filling landfill sites with old computers.
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