Green computing promises an enormous win for businesses: a chance to save money and the environment.
Green computing is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently. Typically, technological systems or computing products that incorporate green computing principles take into account the so-called triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. This differs somewhat from traditional or standard business practices that focus mainly on the economic viability of a computing solution. These focuses are similar to those of green chemistry; reduction of the use of hazardous materials such as lead at the manufacturing and recycling stages, maximized energy efficiency during the product's lifetime, and recyclability or biodegradability of both a defunct product and of any factory waste.
A typical green computing solution attempts to address some or all of these factors by using environmentally friendly products in an efficient system. For example, an IT manager might purchase Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)-approved hardware combined with a thin client solution. As compared to a traditional desktop PC configuration, such a configuration would probably reduce IT maintenance-related activities, extend the useful life of the hardware, and allow for responsible recycling of the equipment past its useful life
Green IT is a growing, global phenomenon, with customers seeking out IT suppliers whose offerings are more energy-efficient, more material-efficient, less hazardous, designed for greater recyclability, and supported by end-of-life recycling programs.
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