6/07/2009

Intel, Dell, HP and Google - Climate Savers, Ecolovers launch India Chapter of Climate Savers Computing

The Climate Savers Computing Initiative -- a nonprofit group of eco-conscious consumers started in U.S. in 2007 -- driven by major IT companies including CSC, Dell, Google, HP, Intel, Lenovo, and Microsoft has launched its India chapter.

CSCI aims in promoting and adoption of smart technologies in everyday business and personal computing which can improve the efficiency of a computer's power delivery and reduce the energy consumed when the computer is in an inactive state. The launch of India's Climate Savers Computing chapter is led by Intel, Dell, HP, Google and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

It is estimated that there are currently more than 1 billion desktop and notebook computers in use globally. It is projected this number will increase to 2.25 billion by 2015. In a typical desktop PC, more than half of the power is wasted as heat and it never reaches the processor, memory, disks, or other components. Even servers, which are typically more efficient than desktops, still waste 30 to 40 percent of the power utilized. Most of today's desktop PCs are capable of automatically transitioning to a sleep or hibernate mode when inactive for a sustained duration, however, in about 90 percent of systems this functionality has been disabled. This results in higher energy consumption and an increase in electricity usage.

According to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker for fourth quarter 2008, there will be 4.1 million more desktop PCs and 2.4 million more notebook PCs in use in India in 2009. By 2010, the country's installed base of PCs will reach 47 million units. Today, IT users generally lack awareness about the power-saving features already built into present-day machines. All in all, this adds up to tremendous waste of energy every day.

India is the sixth largest producer and consumer of energy in the world. It is projected that with growing computer penetration, especially in the smaller markets, energy usage will increase. The India chapter of Climate Savers Computing and its constituents will encourage the development of more energy efficient computing devices by manufacturers and at the same time educate organizations and individuals in smart practices of power management.

"Apart from power saving modes and features available on current PCs, not many users realize that about 50 per cent of the machine's power consumption is heat loss not contributing to the operation of the machines," said Lorie Wigle, president of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative. "So, as we expand our efforts with a new team based in India, we are pleased to have leading hardware manufacturers on board who can help drive a holistic combination of energy efficient, Energy Star compliant product deployment alongside driving changes in user behavior."

Beyond simply doing something proactive and positive for the environment by reducing CO2 emissions, Climate Savers Computing participating organizations have benefited through substantial savings in reduced energy costs. In India, a power deficit country, the social cost of similar savings would in itself be manifold as energy saved could be put to more productive use in manufacturing or agriculture.

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