Climate Savers Computing Initiative - Goal

Goal

The goal of the new environmental effort was to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting targets for energy-efficient computers and components, and promoting the adoption of energy-efficient computers and power management tools globally.

The typical desktop PC wastes more than half of the power it draws from a power outlet. Servers typically waste 30-40% of the power they consume. This energy is wasted as heat. As a result, offices, homes, and data centers have increased demands on air conditioning which in turn increases energy requirements and associated costs.

By increasing the effectiveness of power-management features in computers as well as implementing these features and aggressive power-management policies, the average business desktop can save 60% of the electricity consumed, with no compromise to productivity. These results combat climate change and cut costs. With individual member and company participation, this effort worked toward a 50% reduction in power consumption by computers by 2010, and committed participants aimed to collectively save $5.5 billion in energy costs and 54 million tons of CO₂ emissions a year. That would be the equivalent of taking 11 million cars off the road every year.

Participants in the Climate Savers Computing Initiative represented both the demand and supply side of the computer industry, including computer manufacturers and chip makers, as well as environmental groups, energy companies, retailers, government agencies and more. Supporters of the initiative included Intel Corporation, Google, Dell, EDS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Microsoft, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), World Wildlife Fund and others.