For some time now Apple has produced some fairly energy
efficient small computer models. Dell has just introduced its Studio Line,
initially aimed at the home computer market but it is expected that similar
computers will be introduced in their business lines very shortly. The Studio
Line is a very small footprint computer that uses 70% less energy than one of
their already energy efficient Inspiron and Vostro models.
It is hoped, that if these prove popular, that other
manufacturers will follow suit as well. With the physical demands that more
people, computers and electrical devices place on the energy grid, it is
essential that everyone give consideration to these factors when making a
purchase. More energy efficient devices do occasionally cost a little more but
routinely pay for themselves in reduced electrical bills over time. Like
compact fluorescents in your home, collectively, small changes can make a big
difference to your bottom line.
Personally and professionally, we all stand to benefit by reducing
energy consumption. We can continue to pay 50 cents for a regular light bulb or
3 dollars for a compact fluorescent and save 10 dollars in electrical charges.
It’s difficult to argue with the logic of such simple changes but where up
front money is involved it may ultimately require legislation to ban
inefficiency.
Computers have recently reached an apparent threshold in
overall speed. This has something of a green effect in itself as computers
generally do not have to be replaced nearly as often. If you purchase a good
quality computer it should last at least 5 or more years. In more corrosive
environments in manufacturing plants computers can be protected in sealed units
and inexpensive protectants can be sprayed over exposed metal parts to lessen
corrosion. If you can lengthen the effective life of a computer, then less
money, energy and manpower are required to ultimately replace one.
Newer computers also have some degree of built in energy
conservation and go into relative sleep modes when not in active use. This
should not be used however as a substitute for turning off units that will not
be used overnight or on week-ends. If your computer must stay on for some
reason, you can still turn off the monitor to save some energy while you are
away.
Speakers, printers and assorted optional devices are
often neglected by even those who routinely turn off their computers at night.
A good surge protector can
protect your equipment and provide a simple means to fully power
off all of your associated equipment at the same time. Any energy saved reduces
your expenses.
GREEN
COMPUTER OPERATIONS
The
three R’s of waste reduction are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. These appear in the
order of their effectiveness. If we reduce unnecessary purchases, packaging and
the like, there is less waste to deal with. If we can
reuse or recycle something without throwing it out waste is ultimately reduced
as well.
The
same principals hold true in business and computer operations and apply to both
waste reduction and to reduced day to day expenses. I will examine a number of
examples that apply to each of the three R’s as they relate to computers &
operations.
REDUCE
-
purchase only equipment you need and purchase good quality that won’t need to
be replaced tomorrow.
-
when it comes to printers and toners, consider the
volume of printing you do and pick the most cost effective option. A more
expensive printer and high capacity toner can reduce waste and save you money.
-
print reports to the screen where you don’t need a hard copy. Consider
duplexing to reduce paper costs and filing space. Run Libra reports at 8 lines
per inch and 80 lines per page to reduce paper usage by 25%.
-
protect equipment in corrosive environments so it lasts longer, reducing waste
and unnecessary costs.
REUSE
-
when someone gets a new computer, consider a tune up or upgrade for the old
computer to pass it on to someone who needs less processing power.
- if you have to rerun reports consider reusing the old
reports for notepads or shred them to use as packing material for shipments.
- many companies refill toner cartridges, so save them
and a variety of companies, including HP, will pick them up even if you prefer
to use original cartridges.
RECYCLE
- save common
parts from computers.
These may be used to repair other computers. Disk drives, Memory, Network and
Video cards may be removed and stored.
- computers contain a lot of
scrap metal that can be recycled. If you prefer we can even recycle old
computers for you, but we prefer to do it during a visit.