Energy Efficient Computers - Early Adopters

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO INCREASE COMPUTER ENERGY EFFICIENCY

As the home of Silicon Valley and the place where the personal computer was invented, computers are central to the economy and the culture of California. Also a world leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, it's no wonder that California is at the forefront of bringing energy efficiency to computing.

Looking for ways to do your part? This section provides some tips on what you can do to increase computer energy efficiency in your home or organization.

Organizations

• Implement power management on existing computers. The Energy Star website has useful implementation resources including free software, savings calculators, online training workshops, and free technical assistance.
• Purchase laptops or compact, laptop-style desktops with LCD screens. Because these systems are optimized for long battery life, they use much less power than traditional computers.
• Purchase computers and components that are certified energy efficient and/or sustainable. Look for 80 Plus Silver or Gold certified power supplies, EPEAT Gold certified computers, and Energy Star qualified computers, monitors, and laptops. Don't forget to check with your local utility for incentives.
• Join a computer energy efficiency organization to demonstrate your commitment. Consider joining the Energy Star Low Carbon IT Campaign, becoming a member of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, or getting listed as an EPEAT purchaser.
• Calculate and publicize your savings. The Energy Star Low Carbon IT Campaign has an easy downloadable calculator to determine savings due to better power management and Energy Star qualified purchases. The Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies also has a downloadable calculator to calculate the energy, material, greenhouse gas, and financial savings achieved by EPEAT-registered products.

Individuals

• Implement power management on your computer. For help on how to do this, take a look at the Energy Star and Climate Savers Computing Initiative websites.
• Purchase a laptop or a compact, laptop-style desktop with an LCD screen. Because these systems are optimized for long battery life, they use much less power than traditional computers.
• Purchase computers and components that are certified energy efficient and/or sustainable. Look for 80 Plus Silver or Gold certified power supplies, EPEAT Gold certified computers, and Energy Star qualified computers, monitors, and laptops. You can also browse the Climate Savers Computing Initiative catalog to find energy efficient computers. Don't forget to check with your local utility for incentives!
• Calculate your savings, and tell your friends! The Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies has a free calculator that will tell you how much you've saved in greenhouse gas emissions, toxic material and waste generation, water and energy consumption, and, of course, cost.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Panasonic; Panasonic Toughbook W8