Intel, Google, Others to Launch Efficient Computing Initiative

Climate Savers Computing Initiative Logo

Intel and Google are working hand in hand to promote and usher in the adoption of energy-efficient computers, components, and power management tools.

The two computing giants have launched the new Climate Savers Computing Initiative that seeks to reduce global computer-based CO2 emissions by 54 million tons per year by 2010. That’s the equivalent output of 11 million cars annually.

It has been noted that the average PC today wastes nearly half of its power, and the average server wastes one-third of its power. “The Climate Savers Computing Initiative is setting a new 90 percent efficiency target for power supplies, which if achieved, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54 million tons per year—and save more than $5.5 billion in energy costs,” says Urs Hölzle, senior vice president of operations at Google.

The plan is to encourage PC manufacturers to make more efficient computers and the Initiative will certify the products. The program’s energy efficiency benchmarks will start by following the EPA’s Energy Star guidelines which require that PC power supplies meet at least 80 percent minimum efficiency. The initiative would require a minimum of 90 percent efficiency by 2010.

Aside from Intel and Google, 25 other organizations have signed up for membership, including Dell, EDS, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HP, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, PG&E, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), NEC, Hitachi, Unisys, AMD, Sun Microsystems and eBay.

The Climate Savers Computing Initiative licensed its name from the WWF Climate Savers program, which involves several leading companies working to reduce their carbon footprint.

[Site: Climate Savers]
[Via: Google.com]

Published by Chris Malinao

Chris teaches Lightroom as workflow software to photography students at the FPPF, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation. He also teaches smartphone photography.