As energy costs rise and concerns for the environment make the front page, companies have a new responsibility in addressing energy efficiency concerns. Your organization can save on energy costs when using computers, printers, servers and other ICT equipment. For example by being more aware of the energy consumption of ICT equipment when you buy or when you use them. Please see below for important energy saving tips and ask local experts for advice.
Optimal utilization of ICT capacity
You can also save energy by making the most of your ICT capacity. In practice, often more ICT capacity (such as servers, network, and hard disks) is purchased than is necessary which causes overcapacity. All capacity of ICT equipment consumes electricity, including overcapacity. Therefore wait to expand when the current capacity is still sufficient. Alternatively, existing ICT equipment can be partly burdened heavier or it can be switched off, so that the equipment is used more efficiently.
Server room
ICT equipment in a server room such as servers, storage- and network equipment cause considerable heat. Cooling helps to ensure the reliability of this equipment. Optimize cooling by optimizing the air current in the room. Make sure that cold air is lost or blocked as little as possible.
Replace older ICT equipment
The capacity of new ICT equipment (such as storage or processor speed) increases by approximately 100% every year, while energy consumption increases by about 20%. ICT equipment older than four years has, compared to modern ICT equipment, a very limited capacity compared to the energy consumption.
Use a flat screen or a laptop
Flat (TFT) screens on average consume 50% less energy than a CRT display. A laptop consumes considerably less than a PC. The most economical PC with monitor consumes more than the most comprehensive laptop.
Dimming or turning off the monitor
You can set up a ‘dimming and switch off’ option on your PC by adjusting your Windows system settings. Dimming and switching off occurs automatically after a certain period (for example after 5 minutes) when the PC has been idle. You can start saving energy by looking for the power-save options in Windows.
Saving energy on your copier
Sometimes copiers are on a stand-by modus day and night in offices. Small copiers consume about 50 watts and large copiers about 100 watts on standby power in sleep mode. Modern photocopiers are often packed with features that minimize energy consumption in idle mode. On older machines you can save energy with a timer. That clock switches the equipment off during the hours that no one is present in the office. You can save 10% to 20% on energy and costs.
The new way of working
ICT makes it possible to work in a new way. Employees can log in while they are on the train or at home so that their presence is not required in the office. This makes more flexible workplaces possible. A flexible workplace is a place in the office building where every employee can sit down and work. A flexible working system saves an organization in average 25% of needed office-space. As a result, also less heating and lighting is needed, although this energy is now needed somewhere else (like at a workplace at home)