Devoted to hardware, software, IT issues, and information technology management

I discovered something new in the QuickSpecs documents for the ProLiant DL185; one of the entry-level servers I wrote about last month in HP ProLiant Servers for SMB.  The power supplies for this model are high-efficiency and Climate Savers Computing Initiative, 2007-2008 Compliant (CSCI 2007/2008).  I know it would seem an obvious move in today's marketplace, but this was the first I had heard about this initiative and I wanted to know more.

Did you know that in a typical desktop PC, nearly half the power coming out of the wall is wasted and never reaches the processor, memory, disks or other components?  While servers are more efficient, they still waste 30-40% of the input power.  I knew the equipment could be inefficient, but I never thought it was this bad.

You probably already know this, but the wasted power is expended as heat, which means that on top of the cost of running the computer, you may also be spending more on air conditioning to cool your home, office or data center.

Climate Savers Computing is an organization bringing consumers and businesses together in an effort to reduce power consumption in computer hardware and thereby mitigate the effects of global warming:

• Consumers are encouraged to participate by using power-management tools on their PCs and by purchasing energy-efficient systems in the future.
• Computer and component manufacturers commit to developing products that meet or exceed the Initiative’s efficiency standards.
• Corporate Buyers commit to requiring high-efficiency systems for a majority of their corporate PC and volume server computer purchases, and to using power-management tools on PCs.
• Environmental and consumer organizations who commit to educating end users about the benefits of energy-efficient computers and power-management tools for home use.
• Energy companies commit to providing rebate programs for purchasers of products that meet or exceed the Initiative’s efficiency standards.

There is a Smart Computing Catalog on the CSC homepage that can be used to identify equipment that meets the organization's requirements for reduced power consumption.  If your business is looking for a green facet to your implementation efforts, you may want to consider some of the product offerings in the catalog.

I know the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has their own Energy Star 4.0 requirements, but they have announced their support for the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, and in the first year the Climate Savers Computing Initiative recommends desktop and laptop PCs that are compliant with the EPA’s Energy Star requirements.

So, for those business customers out there; remember when making your next hardware purchases, to factor in reduced power consumption.  You'll be decreasing your operating costs, doing something good for the environment and make sure that management knows you're implementing a green initiative.  I hate to disagree with Kermit the Frog, but it can be easy being green.