Green Computing

Green ComputingGreen computing is the environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and their resources. In broader terms, it is also defined as the study of designing, manufacturing/engineering, using and disposing of computing devices in a way that reduces their environmental impact.
Green computing, Green ICT as per IFG International Federation of Green ICT and IFG Standard, green IT, or ICT sustainability, is the study and practice of environmentally sustainable computing or IT. Green IT is the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystemssuch as monitors, printers, storage devices, and networking and communications systems efficiently and effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment.

HistoryThe term “ Green Computing" was probably coined shortly after the ‘ Energy Star’ program began way back in 1992. One of the first results of green computing was the “ Sleep mode” function of computer monitors. As the concept developed, green computing began to encompass thin client solutions, energy cost, accounting, virtualization practices, e-Waste, etc.

First and foremost, conclusive research shows that CO2 and other emissions are causing global climate and environmental damage. Preserving the planet is a valid goal because it aims to preserve life. Planets like ours, that supports life, are very rare. None of the planets in our solar system, or in nearby star systems have m-class planets as we know them.• Savings : Green computing can lead to serious cost savings overtime. Reductions in energy costs from servers, cooling, and lighting are generating serious savings for many corporations. As energy demands in the world go up, energy supply is declining or flat. Energy efficient systems help sensure healthy power systems. Also, more companies are generating more of their own electricity, which further motivates them to keep power consumption low.  

Green Computer Design
Green computer design aims to reduce the environmental impact of computers by adopting new technologies and using new techniques and materials while balancing environmental compatibility with economic viability and performance. Green design is fast becoming a necessary business practice. Many computer manufacturers are successfully in the process of making green PCs using nontoxic materials that consume less and less of electrical power and can be easily reassembled. These new computers are highly upgradable thus their useful lifetime is extended. Dell, Apple, and other computer vendors have already announced their environmental strategy designed to make their computers green for the long term. Dell aims its new Zero Carbon Initiative at maximizing the energy efficiency of Dell products, and over time plans to offset its carbon impact. As a major aspect of this initiative, its suppliers have to publicly report their greenhouse gas emissions. Apple is also committed and has said it will reduce or eliminate toxic chemicals present in its new products and more aggressively recycle its old products. Companies have launched new tools, standards, and product registration to help customers in assessing the environmental attributes of PCs, notebooks, servers, and other hardware.

How green computing conserves powerENERGY STAR server consumed 54% less power than older model servers. Servers that earn the ENERGY STAR will, on average, be about 30% more energy-efficient than standard servers. In addition to using less energy themselves, ENERGY STAR-qualified servers substantially reduce cooling loads in data centers. A general rule of thumb suggests that one watt saved by a server has the added benefit of saving one to two watts of cooling power. It’s important to note that these power savings come with a substantial increase in performance—at 50% utilization, This all helps to reduce costs and improve efficiencies for our Whitelabel ITSolutions green data center customers. As we continue to research green data center designs, innovations, newer technology we are able to learn more about the best and most efficient use of power utilization and cooling methods to yield lower energy consumption. It all begins with awareness and everyone’s willingness to lend a hand.

Approaches to Green Computing

LCD monitors typically use a cold-cathode fluorescent bulb to provide light for the display. Some newer displays use an array of light emitting diodes  in place of the fluorescent bulb, which reduces the amount of electricity used by the display. LCD monitors uses three times less when active, and ten times less energy when in sleep mode.CRT display LCD display LED display. Parts from outdated systems may be salvaged and recycled through certain retail outlets and municipal or private recycling. Telecommuting technologies implemented in green computing initiatives have advantages like increased worker satisfaction, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions related to travel and increased profit margins.

There are three routes available, all of which vary in cost, performance, and capacity. Example, Desktop hard drive, Laptop hard drive, Solid state drive.A fast GPU may be the largest power consumer in a computer.  No video card is use a shared terminal, shared thin client, or desktop sharing software if display required. Use motherboard video output  typically low 3D performance and low power. Reuse an older video card that uses little power, many do not require heatsinks or fans. Select a GPU based on average wattage or performance per watt.