Through the Climate Savers Computing Initiative (CSCI), the University has committed to reducing its energy consumption from IT devices by 10 percent over the next two years. The goal of U-M’s green plan is to encourage simple, eco-friendly changes that make a big difference.
“The cost-savings alone make energy efficient computing a smart strategy for any individual and organization,” says Bill Wrobelski, director of technical infrastructure operations for Michigan Administrative Information Services. “Saving the environment can lead to saving extra money, ultimately delivering a big benefit in a tough economy.”
CSCI is implementing small changes campuswide that will result in a reduced carbon footprint. Any organization that resolves to go green in 2009 can implement these practices:
• Go mobile! Laptops are more eco-friendly than a desktop for those needing a new computer, but any new equipment should be Energy-Star 4.0 and EPEAT rated
• Flip the switch on when you are ready to use the equipment. Leaving equipment, like printers, on and idle wastes electricity. Maximize energy efficiency by turning off any IT equipment not in use
• Use sleep mode for equipment that will sit idle for short periods of time
• Save trees by reconsidering what gets printed. Print only final versions of reports, print double-sided on paper and try narrower margins to reduce waste
• Donate used equipment through the UM-ECycle group: https://knowledgebase.umich.edu/kbwiki/index.php/IT_eCycle
• Recycle IT equipment and keep it out of landfills, where it can be hazardous waste. U-M equipment must go to Property Disposition where it is either re-sold or recycled through Occupational Safety and Environmental Health.
• Reevaluate server rooms and data centers to see if consolidation is possible
• Develop a green purchasing strategy that can help save money and the environment. Green purchasing includes seeking energy efficient devices and eco-conscious suppliers.
In addition to green computing strategies, U-M is developing sustainable green purchasing related to IT and other University operations. The University also is creating green academic initiatives including internships, research projects and academic scholarships that will be funded by environmental activities.
CSCI is a nonprofit group of more than 200 eco-conscious consumers, businesses and conservation organizations dedicated to improving the power efficiency and reducing energy consumption of computers. Climate Savers Computing Initiative has identified a national goal to reduce energy consumption of computers by 50 percent by 2010, netting $5.5 billion in global energy savings and an annual reduction of 54 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
For more information, go to www.climatesavers.umich.edu/.
