Green computing aims to reduce the environmental impact of computers and technology through energy efficient products and practices. Key organizations that promote green computing include Energy Star, which certifies energy efficient appliances and electronics, and EPEAT, which rates computers based on their environmental impact. Adopting practices like shutting down computers when not in use, using LCD displays instead of CRTs, and unplugging unused electronics can help reduce energy consumption at the individual level. Larger scale adoption of green computing is important to curb rising energy costs for data centers and lower carbon emissions as technology usage increases globally.

1. Green ComputingBy Brian Fischer

2. What is it?Green computing, by definition, is “the environmentally responsible use of computers and related resources. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient CPUs, servers, and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of electronic waste.”

3. Energy StarEnergy star, started back in 1992, is part of the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Its goal is to help people save money by making more energy efficient products. By choosing appliances that have the Energy Star logo, you can cut up to a third off your energy bill.

4. EPEATEPEAT, like Energy Star, is focused on promoting energy efficient products. Their whole website is devoted to computers and which ones are the most efficient and best for your budget. With over 1294 products registered on the site, it’s easy to find a product within your price range that has what your looking for, without the effects of higher energy costs.

5. Getting StartedThere are many groups out in the world that are focused on Green Computing. They constantly find ways to increase efficiency and maximize resources. From personal computing to major companies, these groups try to bring people into a cleaner, more eco-friendly computing enviroment.

6. Why is it importantWith the world the way it is, saving money and making it a more eco-friendly place is on everyone’s minds. In 2007 over $4.5 billion of electricity was purchased by companies just to keep up with the demands of energy needed by their data centers. By 2011, if this continues, data centers will use the same amount of energy put out by 25 power plants. This will increase that $4.5 billion to $7.4 billion. This will also double CO2 output to over 62 million metric tons.

7. What can you do to help?There are many things you can do to reduce the energy consumption of computers.Hibernating or shutting down your computer when not in useUsing LCD displays instead of CRTsUnplug any unused electronicsReduce the use of paperTurn off hard drives and other peripherals when not in use.

8. What can you do to help?Use more advanced cooling process, reducing the need for costly heat sinksIncrease virus protection to keep your computer going for a much longer timeFilesharing for othersLower the amount of eWaste on the internetUse notebooks / laptops instead of desktop computers