Computing is something not very
environmentally friendly in Malaysia. Things, however, are starting to
change. For a start, businesses are now keen to save energy and costs due to the
rising electricity prices. The strength of public and corporate attitude towards
environmental responsibility is also growing rapidly as climate change is a political and regulatory reality.
Computing is also an area of human activity in which there are real
environmental savings to be made, some of which can be achieved by implementing
relatively straight-forward practical measures
with existing hardware. There are now even pieces
of software – such as LittleGreenGenie that permit companies or individuals to
measure, reduce and carbon offset the emissions resulting from their computer
use.
Background of Green Computing
The idea of green computing has been around a good time, the government themselves play a role in it. For example the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the 'energy star' program in the 90s, to promote energy efficient methods. The EPA today still plays an active role by providing not only energy effective methods, but also cost effective methods for the consumers. In 2006 the EPA established a way to save U.S. households and businesses money; "With an eye to saving U.S. households and businesses more than $1.8 billion in energy costs over the next 5 years, today EPA announced new Energy Star specifications for computers and related equipment. These new modifications are also expected to prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the annual emissions of 2.7 million cars."(Jones, 2006) Though the EPA is a recognizable agency, they are not the only ones who promoting new ways of going green in the technological aspect. Organizations such as European Union and TCO Certification are one of the leading groups in green computing.
Further Required Research
Advancements in green computing have become vast. There are so many new ways of combining ecology with technology that we practically are trying a bit of everything. Such as using solar technology, solar technology now is being used on keyboards and mice now to reduce energy costs. Another green computing method is eliminating certain materials that are hazardous to the environment, and replacing them with cleaner and efficient materials which are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Even now certain computer components such as processor units have reduced heat emissions, and monitors as well with their advancement of flat screens.
Not only is green computing effecting components and other various hardware, it has changed in ways businesses use technology such as cloud computing. Cloud computing essentially is a method of a user connecting to a network or server, through the internet. Ultimately this reduces the need of businesses to have purchase more computers, which can emit greenhouse gases when left on.
The practice of green computing has essentially branched off to every form of technology out there. Cars being a great example, now with hybrids becoming mainstream, people are able to save on gas, money, and also cutting on carbon monoxide and other various dangerous gases to the atmosphere.
Green computing has also grasped how industries market themselves, and many realize how going green in their technologies can aid them. One great example of green computing corporation is Apple. "Apple has been criticized by some environmental organizations for not being a leader in removing toxic chemicals from its new products, and for not aggressively or properly recycling its old products" (Jobs, 2009) but that has changed, when looking now upon Apple's computers, their unique designs material is a great source to dissipate heat, along with their products being able to conserve energy very well. Not only have they implemented ways in being more eco-friendly by removing hazardous materials in their computers and products, but their manufacturing and delivering their goods has also been altered to help the environment.
Basic Examples of Being Green
Green computing is the environmentally responsible use of computers and related resources. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient central processing units (CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste).
One of the earliest initiatives toward green computing in the United States was the voluntary labeling program known as Energy Star. It was conceived by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 to promote energy efficiency in hardware of all kinds. The Energy Star label became a common sight, especially in notebook computers and displays. Similar programs have been adopted in Europe and Asia.
Government regulation, however well-intentioned, is only part of an overall green computing philosophy. The work habits of computer users and businesses can be modified to minimize adverse impact on the global environment. Here are some steps that can be taken:
1) Power-down the CPU and all peripherals during extended periods of inactivity.
2) Try to do computer-related tasks during contiguous, intensive blocks of time, leaving hardware off at other times.
6) Use the power-management features to turn off hard drives and displays after several minutes of inactivity.
7) Minimize the use of paper and properly recycle waste paper.
8) Dispose of e-waste according to federal, state and local regulations.
9) Employ alternative energy sources for computing workstations, servers, networks and data centers.
No comments:
Post a Comment