Google, Intel seek greener computers

Google, Intel seek greener computers

Rhett A. Butler, mongabay.com

June 13, 2007

Google, Intel, and other tech giants announced an energy efficiency drive develop “greener” computers that use 50 percent less power by 2010. The plan, dubbed the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, seeks to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

Organizers aim to eventually sign up all Fortune 500 companies.

Google estimates that improvements in power supplies alone could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54 million tons per year and save more than $5.5 billion in energy costs.

“Believe it or not, a typical desktop PC wastes over half the power delivered to it — and, when turned on, most desktops waste power — even when they’re not in use,” stated The Official Google Blog. “Through some very simple measures, there is an opportunity to save 70-80% of the power currently consumed by desktop computers. With a more efficient power supply, more efficient DC-to-DC converters, and power-management features turned on, that same desktop PC would save as much as 80% of the energy currently consumed! That energy savings means dollars, of course; it also prevents emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.”

Google co-founder Larry Page at the press conference announcing the energy efficiency initiative.

Intel estimates the increased energy efficiency would add $20 to the cost of a PC and $30 to the cost of a server–amounts that would be quickly recouped in electricity savings.

“By 2010, the Climate Savers Computing Initiative will cut greenhouse gas emissions in an amount equal to removing more than 11 million cars from the road or shutting down 20 500-megawatt coal-fired power plants — a significant step in reducing the emissions affecting our planet,” said Pat Gelsinger, senior vice president and general manager of Intel’s Digital Enterprise Group.

“Computers have helped us make huge strides toward a more efficient world today, with reduced travel, more productivity, online transactions and more,” Gelsinger added. “But with today’s latest energy-efficient technologies, we can do even more. The commitment of the member companies that are here with us today is a firm statement to the collective resolve to make an enormous impact.”

A spin off from the World Wildlife Fund’s Climate Savers program, the initiative will promote energy efficiency through consumer education, computer and component redesign, and the development of better power management tools. Dell, EDS, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HP, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, PG&E, and more than 25 additional organizations are currently part of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative (www.climatesaverscomputing.org).

Related

Google helps protect Amazon rainforest. Google is working with an indigenous tribe deep in the Amazon rainforest to protect their native lands from illegal encroachment, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. For the first time, Google has confirmed details of the project. “The Amazon rain forest and its indigenous peoples are disappearing rapidly, which has serious consequences both locally and globally,” said Google Earth spokeswoman Megan Quinn.

Google worried about global warming?. Google said it plans to build a solar-powered electricity system at its Silicon Valley headquarters that will be the largest solar installation on any corporate campus in the United States. “Soon we plan to begin installation of 1.6 megawatts of solar photovoltaic panels at our Mountain View campus,” read the corporate Google blog. “This project will be the largest solar installation on any corporate campus in the U.S., and we think it’s one of the largest on any corporate site in the world.”