GREEN COMPUTING

DEFINITION

Green computing is the environmentally responsible use of computers and related resources. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient central processing units (CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste).

One of the earliest initiatives toward green computing in the United States was the voluntary labeling program known as Energy Star. It was conceived by
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 to promote energy efficiency in hardware of all kinds. The Energy Star label became a common sight, especially in notebook computers and displays. Similar programs have been adopted in Europe and Asia.Government regulation, however well-intentioned,
is only part of an overall green computing philosophy. The work habits of computer users and businesses can be modified to minimize adverse impact on the global environment.

Here are some steps that can be taken:

• Power-down the CPU and all peripherals during extended periods of inactivity.
• Try to do computer-related tasks during contiguous, intensive blocks of time, leaving hardware off at other times.
• Power-up and power-down energy-intensive peripherals such as laser printers according to need.
• Use liquid-crystal-display (LCD) monitors rather than cathode-ray-tube (CRT) monitors.
• Use notebook computers rather than desktop computers whenever possible.
• Use the power-management features to turn off hard drives and displays after several minutes of inactivity.
• Minimize the use of paper and properly recycle waste paper.
• Dispose of e-waste according to federal, state and local regulations.
• Employ alternative energy sources for computing workstations, servers, networks and data centers. (1)

MILESTONES

Brief History of Green computing

One of the first manifestations of the green computing movement was the launch of the Energy Star program back in 1992. Energy Star served as a kind of
voluntary label awarded to computing products that succeeded in minimizing use of energy while maximizing efficiency. Energy Star applied to products like computer monitors, television sets and temperature control devices like refrigerators, air conditioners, and similar items.

One of the first results of green computing was the Sleep mode function of computer monitors which places a consumer's electronic equipment on standby mode when a pre-set period of time passes when user activity is not detected. As the concept developed, green computing began to encompass thin client solutions, energy cost accounting, virtualization practices, eWaste, etc. (2)

Present Green Computing

Climate Savers Computing Initiative
Started by Google and Intel in 2007, the Climate Savers Computing Initiative is a nonprofit group of eco-conscious consumers, businesses and conservation
organizations. The Initiative was started in the spirit of WWF’s Climate Savers program which has mobilized over a dozen companies since 1999 to cut carbon dioxide emissions, demonstrating that reducing emissions is good business. Our goal is to promote development, deployment and adoption of smart technologies that can both improve the efficiency of a computer’s power delivery and reduce the energy consumed when the computer is in an inactive state. (3)

Green Electronics Council
GEC was founded in 2005 to bring focus to the special issues of electronics and sustainability, and to find constructive paths forward. Soon after GEC’s founding we were selected by stakeholders to manage EPEAT, the green electronics “certification” and purchasing system that has created a $60 Billion market incentive for greener laptops, desktops, and monitors. (4)

Green Computing Impact Organization, Inc
Formed in 2008 by a group of Global-minded IT executives, Green Computing Impact Organization (GCIO) was created to be an active participant in transforming the enterprise business community from an environmental liability to an Earth conscious example of responsibility. We do so through our collaborative membership programs and initiatives which bring together enterprise business and IT executives, visionaries, pundits, authorities and practitioners all with a vested interest in the promotion and adoption of sustainable business practices. (5)

Green Grid
The data center has changed considerably through the decades as the evolution of information technology has enabled it to become the critical nerve center of today’s enterprise. The number of data center facilities has increased over time as business demands increase, and each facility houses a rising amount of more powerful IT equipment. Data center managers around the world are running into limits related to power, cooling, and space - and the rise in demand for the important work of data centers has created a noticeable impact on the world’s power grids. The efficiency of data centers has become an important topic of global discussion among end-users, policy-makers, technology providers, facility architects, and utility companies. (6)

Some Facts About Computer Energy Use

• General Facts about Computer Energy Use
• Computer technology use accounts for 2% of anthropogenic CO2
• Roughly equivalent to aviation industry
• IT energy usage will double next 4 years
• For every 12 consumers who keep power settings enabled for their on their monitors and PCs, CO2 emissions equivalent to removing one average automobile from the road will be avoided.
• A typical desktop PC with a 17-inch LCD monitor requires about 145 watts—110 watts for the computer and 35 watts for the monitor.

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