Michigan Joins Green Computing Initiative

Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm yesterday announced that Michigan will be joining the Climate Savers Computing Initiative to spur the utilization of more energy-efficient computers and servers in state offices and agencies. The Climate Savers Computing Initiative is a national effort led by Dell, EDS, Google, HP, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft, Pacific Gas and Electric, and the World Wildlife Fund to increase energy efficiency and the use of more efficient computer equipment.

"We are committed to making a greener Michigan by doing our part to eliminate the wasted power and electricity that increases the emission of greenhouse gases," Granholm said. "This partnership means greener computing, and it will help our environment and slow global warming while protecting our pocketbooks."

By joining the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, the state of Michigan is committing to the purchase of energy-efficient computers that will optimize the state's computing environment. With nearly 55,000 desktop computers and laptops and nearly 3,700 servers in state government, the annual estimated energy cost savings will be approximately $955,000 according to estimates from the Climate Savers Computing Initiative. The annual carbon dioxide aversion is estimated at 9,000 tons.

Under the terms of the agreement, the state has strengthened its commitment to reduce the energy consumption of its computing equipment by:

• Pledging to purchase high-efficiency computer equipment that meets or exceeds federal Energy Star ratings
• Optimizing existing computer systems by educating employees about more efficient and effective computer power management strategies, such as better use of hibernation and sleep modes
• Ensuring that, in subsequent year, the state purchases computing equipment with increasing levels of efficiency.The Climate Savers Computing Initiative, started by Google and Intel in 2007, is a nonprofit group of eco-conscious consumers, businesses, and conservation organizations. Its goal is to promote the development, deployment and adoption of smart technologies that can improve the efficiency of a computer's power delivery and reduce the energy consumed when the computer is in an inactive state. The goal of the program is a 50-percent reduction in power consumption by computers by 2010, netting $5.5 billion in global energy savings and an annual reduction of 54 million tons of CO2 emissions per year.

"The average desktop computer wastes over half of the power delivered to it, while servers spend about one-third of their power" said Ken Theis, director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) and the state's chief information officer. "By moving to energy-efficient desktops and servers, we can reduce the waste to the benefit of the environment as well as our pocketbooks."

Since its launch in June 2007, nearly 200 companies, organizations, and states have joined the initiative, and thousands of individuals have pledged their support. Sponsors include AMD, Delta Electronics, eBay, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Lite-On, Marvell Semiconductor, NEC, Sun and Supermicro.