What Is Green Computing?

Date First Published: 4th February 2024

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Ethics & Sustainability

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 5/10

Learn about what green computing is in this article.

Green computing, also known as green IT, or sustainable computing, is the environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and resources. It aims to minimise the environmental impact of computers by designing, manufacturing, operating and disposing of servers, PCs and other products in an environmentally friendly way.

Manufacturers and vendors are becoming more aware of green computing. They are reducing the use of materials that cause hazards when disposing of them, investing in designing energy-efficient computing devices, and encouraging users to recycle digital devices instead of discarding them to end up in landfills. Green computing is an approach that attempts to prevent or mitigate negative environmental impacts with the aim of promoting a more sustainable future.

Key Components Of Green Computing

Key components of green computing include:

• Energy efficiency - Designing, manufacturing, and using IT systems to consume less electrical power (e.g. power saving mechanisms, energy-efficient power supplies).
• E-waste management - Properly disposing of and recycling electronic waste to ensure that toxic materials used in production do not contaminate the environment. For example, refurbishing existing devices instead of purchasing new ones and donating unused electronics instead of throwing them away will reduce the impact on the environment.
• Powering down IT equipment when it is not in use - Servers, CPUs and other devices can be put into sleep mode during extended periods of inactivity to avoid wasting energy. At the end of each day, computers should be turned off.
• Using refillable printer cartridges instead of buying new ones. This reduces plastic and metal waste.
• Green data centres - Data centres consume a lot of power, which impacts on the environment and takes up a large proportion of business costs. Businesses are now using renewable energy sources to power their data centres. In addition, running large numbers of servers generates a lot of heat, so more efficient cooling also contributes to green computing.
• Cloud hosting - Storing data in a cloud saves more resources than storing all data on internal company servers. In most cases, cloud hosting is a better option for companies than their own server. As the use of cloud services grew, cloud platform vendors built new data centres with more of an emphasis on energy efficiency, reduction of emissions and overall sustainability.
• Remote working - Advances in technology have led to an increase in remote working, to the point where being in the same location does not matter. Remote working eliminates the need to travel long distances to offices, reducing employee's and manager's carbon footprints.

Importance Of Green Computing

Green computing is important for the following reasons:

• Reduced wastage costs - Reusing and refurbishing IT equipment is more environmentally friendly and reduces wastage costs.
• Cost savings - Using energy-efficient technology allows individuals and businesses to reduce energy consumption, reducing energy costs and carbon footprint.
• Extended maintenance periods - Reusable, green IT products allow for longer maintenance cycles and less frequent device replacement.
• Improved reputation - Green technology benefits the view that businesses have on society, improving a business's brand perception and giving it a competitive advantage.
• Reduced carbon emissions, which are better for the environment and limit global warming. Negative by-products, like greenhouse gases, affect climate change and cause pollution.
• Compliance - Businesses are under pressure from governments and society to reduce the environmental impact of technology. Green IT uses resources more efficiently, reducing waste and emissions and improving recycling rates. This helps businesses comply with government regulations.

Challenges Of Green Computing

Implementing green computing successfully also comes with challenges. These include:

• High costs - Implementing new green technologies and programs can be expensive and time-consuming. One of the biggest costs is the cost of replacing existing technology assets with energy-efficient devices. However, this may help businesses reduce costs in the long run.
• Lack of green computing expertise - Finding experts in green computing who can help in the upgrades of IT assets is not always easy, despite an increase in the availability of consulting services for sustainability efforts.
• Emerging fields - Some areas of green computing, such as green software, are quite new and don't have many best practices.

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