What is Green Computing?

By Nilanjan Dey

Green computing which goes by many names like green information technology, green IT, sustainable IT, etc is the process or practice of reducing or decreasing the environmental impact of technology. This can be achieved in various ways increasing energy efficiency at not just the manufacturing level but the end user as well, minimizing e-waste and promoting the usage of renewable resources in this sector and motivating recyclability of digital devices.

There is a lot of potentials for green computing to be environmentally beneficial. Between 1.8% and 3.9% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. Furthermore, data centres now consume 3% of all energy consumed annually, a 100% increase over the previous ten years. 

There are some ways by which green computing can be or is being achieved like using computers and their peripherals in an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Other ways of green computing can be like recycling unwanted electronic equipment or properly disposing of it. That process is known as green disposal.

Creating digital products like computers, servers, printers, projectors etc with a green design can help reduce the usage of energy along with using green manufacturing techniques to produce computers and other components can lessen their negative effects on the environment.

Below are some ways people can contribute to reducing their energy footprint

• If you’re going to be gone from a computer for a while, use the sleep or hibernate mode.
• Purchase energy-efficient laptop PCs rather than desktop ones.
• Use the power management options to regulate energy usage.
• Make the necessary preparations for the safe disposal of electronic trash
• Shut off computers each day at the end of the day.
• Refill printer ink instead of purchasing new ones.
• Try repairing an existing computer rather than buying a new one.