What is green computing?

From giant data centers to your personal laptop, green computing is all about cutting energy consumption and recycling resources to build a more sustainable future.

Green computing: A definition

Green computing. Green IT. Green technology. The issues are multi-faceted, but it all comes down to using computers and related devices in a way that causes the least amount of harm to our environment and our planet. This starts with green design, which has to do with the choice of materials when developing devices that make efficient use of energy. Then there is green manufacturing, which means minimizing waste in the production of computers and reducing the environmental impact of these activities. This is followed by green usage, which includes minimizing the energy consumption of devices and especially data centers. And at the end of product life, there is green disposal: repurposing, recycling or appropriately disposing of computer equipment.

Why is green computing important?

Like many things that are essential to our modern lives, computers can cause a variety of negative environmental impacts. They consume a lot of energy, and often this energy is generated from non-renewable sources that cause greenhouse gas emissions. Computers and associated equipment can contain heavy metals and other hazardous materials that can cause pollution if not disposed of correctly. Green computing is an approach that attempts to prevent or mitigate these negative impacts – with the ultimate aim of promoting a more sustainable future. This has the added bonus of making computer usage more cost-effective by reducing the consumption of energy and other resources and cutting waste.

Green data centers

One important focus of green computing is data centers, which for example can house a company’s computer systems or the remote servers used for cloud computing services. Such data centers consume a lot of power, which not only impacts the environment, but also represents a huge overhead cost for companies. With this in mind, tech companies are now turning to renewable energy sources like wind energy, solar power, etc., to fuel their server farms – like the mail.com data center in Lenexa, which is powered by wind energy. Running large numbers of servers also generates huge amounts of heat, so more efficient cooling as well as heat recovery systems can also make a contribution to green computing. The recycling of computers and other devices is another area where businesses can have a major impact.

Green computing labels

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency rolled out one of the earliest energy efficiency initiatives in 1992. The Energy Star labeling program aims to promote more efficient energy use by computing hardware and many other types of products. Computers bearing the Energy Star label use 25 to 40 percent less energy than conventional models. Other countries and regions have initiated similar programs. Another label dating to 1992, for example, is Sweden’s TCO Certified mark. Originally focusing on the ergonomics of computer monitors, today it is a globally recognized ecological standard for computers. Consumers concerned with sustainable IT can use certifications like Energy Star and TOC to guide their purchasing decisions.

Green computing for companies

We have already mentioned an example of how companies can implement green computing through green data centers. However, that is not the only way in which you can use green computing to improve your business and hit your sustainability goals in the process. Here are four suggestions for you to consider:

1. Replace older technologies with newer ones. Currently, many data centers still rely on older servers, switches, etc. that typically consume more power and generate more heat than their newer counterparts. By simply switching to more recent, efficient assets, companies can reduce their data centers’ energy consumption and impact on the environment.
2. Switch to virtual servers when possible. By replacing physical servers and technologies with virtual ones, companies can reduce the negative impact that their data centers have on the planet.
3. Implement cloud computing. Companies can also move their resources to the cloud in order to minimize the amount of physical assets they use. Besides lowering their environmental impact, companies can also benefit from resource reduction by minimizing the cost of owning and maintaining their data centers and using the resources of a cloud service provider instead. Check out our article to learn more about cloud computing: 
4. Recycle and dispose of electronic waste responsibly. A company attempting to go green must ensure that it is efficiently managing its electronic waste. Companies can reduce their consumption and extend the lifespan of the electronic devices they use by refurbishing and reusing them whenever possible. Introduce remote working and encourage it as much as possible. By reducing the number of employees that your company requires on-site, you can reduce your office space and the amount of energy necessary to operate it. A smaller office would mean less space that needs to be heated or cooled and fewer computers required on site. If your employees are working from home, that also means they are not driving to and from work, resulting in lower carbon emissions overall.

How to integrate green computing in your daily life

If you are interested in greener computing and lowering your carbon footprint, there are a lot of small steps that can add up to significant energy savings for you. In addition to buying green-certified computer equipment, here are seven ideas you might want to try:

1. Turn off your devices. Putting them in standby mode is better than leaving them switched on, but devices in standby mode still account for 5 - 10 percent of residential energy use. Depending on energy prices where you live, turning off your computer when it’s not in use could save you $75 per year – and reduce your carbon footprint by 450 lbs.
2. Make your screens more energy efficient. Reducing monitor brightness also reduces energy consumption. OLED displays consume less energy than older CRT models, as does switching to dark mode or dark themes. (Plus, these options can be easier on your eyes!)
3. Switch to smart light bulbs and LEDs. These lightbulbs have a much longer lifespan and consume less energy. They also don’t contain harmful chemicals and will lower your electricity bill. It’s a win-win situation!
4. If you need to print out documents, try to use environmentally friendly options. This doesn’t just mean making sure that your printer is energy efficient. You can also go for sustainable (low-VOC) inks and recycled paper – and get some refillable ink cartridges.
5. Save money as well as conserve resources by extending the life of your computer and other electronic devices for as long as possible. Keep in mind that it takes a lot of energy and materials to manufacture new equipment.
6. If your computing equipment really has reached the end of its life, recycle or dispose of e-waste safely.  Look for electronics recyclers who are certified by Responsible Recycling (R2) or e-Stewards to ensure the proper disposal of your used devices.
7. Invest in solar panels for your household. Solar panels or solar photovoltaic systems use solar energy to generate electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, which are more commonly used to produce electricity, solar panels don’t generate greenhouse gas emissions and thus, are a great option to reduce carbon emissions. While switching to solar energy can be pricey at first, it is a great investment in the long run as it will massively reduce your electricity bills.

As we grow more aware of the environmental impact that human activity has had on the planet, it has become necessary to make every aspect of our lives more sustainable. That’s why green computing, which promotes sustainable practices and minimizes the impact of technology on the environment, has become a crucial component of the IT sector.

Green computing not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also saves energy and resources in the long term. Going forward, it’s essential for not only companies but individuals as well to integrate eco-friendly practices in order to protect the planet for future generations. That’s why we at mail.com are also committed to environmental sustainability.

We hope this post answered all your questions about green computing and inspired you to be more sustainable. If you found this post interesting, please leave us some feedback below!

This article first appeared on March 10, 2022, and was updated on April 22, 2024.

 

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