FWR Group Sustainability Articles
What is Green Computing?
Green computing describes the efficient use of resources in computing. It relates to the study, design, manufacturing, use and eventual disposal of computers, and other related products such as servers, monitors, printers and network systems among others. This is intended to reduce the environmental impact of the computing industry, enhance economic viability while still abiding by excepted social norms.
Green computing has become increasingly important as we realise the impact greenhouse gas production has on global warming and climate change. To this end, a number of manufacturers have begun improving the environmental performance of their company, products and services in an effort to reduce their ecological footprint. Motivation for the greening of computers and their related systems is coming form a variety of sources. Government legislation, regulating energy ratings and the types of materials used is a major contributor; however there is also action within the manufacturers of computing products. Finally, consumers are also insisting greater energy efficiency, recycling and proper disposal of their computers. The combination of top-down and bottom-up initiatives has increased the speed of the greening process within the computing industry.
One of the main goals of green computing is to reduce the impact of this industry at all stages of a products lifetime. This includes the reduction of hazardous materials and the increase of energy efficiency in all computing products. The promotion of recyclability and minimisation of waste is also a key characteristic of green computing. Computer users are also encouraged to turn off monitors when not in use and to purchase the most energy efficient products they can afford.
By integrating the principles of sustainability into the computing industry governments, manufacturers, and consumers are contributing to the greening of this industry.
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This work by Michael Duggan is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.5 Australia License.
