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The Greening of IT
26 How Companies Can Make a Difference for the Environment

computing practice. Universities, often on the forefront of concern for the
environment, frequently have a green computing section on their Web
sites. (Just Google “green computing at universities,” and you’ll see the
hits.) The following sections include some relevant information on green
computing for desktop PCs and laptops at the University of Colorado
(CU) taken from their Web site: http://ecenter.colorado.edu/energy/
projects/green_computing.html. This CU Web site is periodically
updated, so the following information is a “snapshot in time.” This type of
Web site provides a good lead-in to the importance of collaboration—in
this case, collaboration among the university’s IT groups, students, fac-
ulty, and so on. Collaboration for green IT is discussed Chapter 3,
“Collaboration Is Key for Green IT.” CU also has an IT site for computer
efficiency: http://www.colorado.edu/its/energy/.
The growing use of computers on campus has caused a dramatic
increase in energy consumption, putting negative pressure on CU’s
budget and the environment. Each year, more and more computers are
purchased and put to use. Over the last fifteen years, computers have
transformed the academic and administrative landscape at the
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University of Colorado. In 2008, there were more than 18,000 comput-
ers on campus. Personal computer (PC) operation alone might directly
account for nearly $550,000 per year in University energy costs.
Computers generate heat and require additional cooling, which adds to
energy costs. Thus, when the cooling requirement is added, the overall
energy cost of PCs at CU is more likely approximately $700,000 per
year. But it’s not just the number of computers that is driving energy
consumption upward: The way we use computers also adds to the
increasing energy burden. Research reveals that most personal desktop
computers are not used most of the time they are running, and many
PCs nationwide are needlessly left on continuously. Every time we leave
on computers or lights, we waste electricity. As we must constantly
remind ourselves, these fuels emit pollutants, sulfur, and carbon dioxide
into the air. These emissions can cause respiratory disease, smog, acid
rain, and global climate change.
Here’s another challenge: Meeting computer cooling needs in summer
(and winter) often compromises the efficient use of building cooling and
heating systems by requiring colder fan discharge temperatures. In the
summer, these temperatures might satisfy computer lab cooling needs
while overcooling other spaces. Given CU’s commitment to energy con-
servation and the environmental stewardship, the University must