Green computing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Green Computing is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently. Typically, technological systems or computing products that incorporate green computing principles take into account the so-called triple bottom line of economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental impact. This differs somewhat from traditional or standard business practices that focus mainly on the economic viability of a computing solution. These focuses are similar to those of green chemistry; reduction of the use of hazardous materials such as lead at the manufacturing stage, maximized energy efficiency during the product's term of use, and recyclability or biodegradability of both a defunct product and of any factory waste.

A typical green computing solution attempts to address some or all of these factors by implementing environmentally friendly products in an efficient system. For example, an IT manager might purchase EPEAT approved hardware combined with a thin client solution. As compared to a traditional desktop PC configuration, such a configuration would probably reduce IT maintenance-related activities, extend the useful life of the hardware, and allow for responsible recycling of the equipment past its useful life.

1 Origins
2 Rationale
3 Regulations
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Origins

In 1992, the EPA provided Energy Star, a voluntary labeling program, designed to promote and recognize energy-efficiency in monitors, climate control equipment, and other technologies. This resulted in, among other things, the widespread adoption of sleep mode among consumer electronics. The term Green Computing was probably invented shortly after the Energy Star program began, and generally referred to power consumption-related issues. There are several USENET posts dating back to 1992 which use the term in this manner.

Fueled by recent trends towards sustainability, the modern use of the term refers to systematic approaches to using computing technology efficiently. These include items such as addressing eWaste, regulatory compliance, telecommuting policies, virtualization of server resources, cost accounting of energy use, thin client solutions, and many others.

[edit] Rationale

There are different philosophies related the implementation of green computing solutions. Virtually all proponents believe that businesses need to reevaluate some of their technological solutions and/or policies.

Tactical Incrementalists tend to preserve existing IT infrastructure and policies but will incorporate some environmental and social factors into future decisions. An example of this is to encourage power management policies for computing equipment. Changes of this type are generally easy to implement, are not part of a unified plan, and require little political effort. Similarly to a standard business model, fiscal viability remains the primary concern, with little or no value being attributed to the environmental or social factors.

Strategic Leaders recognize that environmental and social factors are contributing to a trend in disruptive technology. As such, there is considerable value to altering the existing infrastructure and policies. While the primary rationale is still cost efficiency, other factors such as branding, marketing, or hiring may be referenced as well. A baseline study will probably be conducted, and more complex, pronounced initiatives will be implemented. For example, the IT department may be held accountable for the cost of all electricity from computer related equipment, or desktop computing will be replaced with thin client computing.

Deep Green Technologists believe that computing has reached a point of diminishing returns and needs to be substantially reevaluated. Many are of the opinion that the dawn of the 21st century resulted in a rush to technology, which has resulted in an ongoing hubris for computing initiatives that are fiscally unfounded and environmentally destructive. This hysteria shows itself in many forms; ROI, for example, is rarely calculated for IT projects across the industry, and the growing stocks of electronic waste throughout the world is reaching crisis levels. Unlike the other categories, social and environmental factors are construed as being on equal footing with fiscal responsibility. For example, a deep green technologist might implement a carbon offset policy to neutralize the cost of electricity for computing, or use solar powered web hosting services.

[edit] Regulations

Many governmental agencies have implemented standards and regulations that encourage green computing. The 1992 Energy Star [1] program was instrumental. In addition, the European Union's directives 2002/95/EC (RoHS), on the reduction of hazardous substances, and 2002/96/EC (WEEE) on waste electrical and electronic equipment required the substitution of heavy metals and flame retardants like PBBs and PBDEs in all electronic equipment put on the market starting 1 July 2006. The directives placed responsibility on manufacturers for the gathering and recycling of old equipment.