Green Computing
Green Computing is also known as Green Information Technology or Sustainable Information Technology. As the name suggests, it means using technology in an energy-efficient way, i.e. using computers, chips, and other computing devices in an eco-friendly way. In this, “using of technology ‘’ implies not using of computing devices by end-use consumers but also other processes like designing, manufacturing, and disposal of computing devices. All this is done so that harmful carbon emissions by manufacturers, data centers, and end-use consumers can be controlled and reduced. Limiting Printing and Adopting Recycling Processes, Turning to Virtual Technologies, Making Environment-Friendly Purchase Decisions, and Participating in Electronic Recycling Programmes are some of the ways in which Green Computing can be adopted.
The aim behind this is to leave a positive impact on the environment. This can be achieved as Green Computing leads to a decline in the usage of dangerous chemicals and a rise in energy efficiency. Also, the objective is to achieve the level of maximization in terms of recyclability and biodegradability of the device. The Information and Communication Technology sector release a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions into the environment. To mitigate climate change, energy demands and carbon output of this sector need
management. The computing strategies need to be developed by the organizations in order to lessen the impact of their operations on the environment, however many organizations have started adopting this, and their focus areas are Data Centers, Equipment Rooms, Storage areas, and other areas where energy is used. Green Computing Strategies include using smart technology, Power-down of energy-intensive systems like CPUs, Printers during periods of inactivity, Setting Up Hot and Cold Aisles, Power Management, and Using Alternative Energy.
For organizations to adopt green computing, manufacturers also have to understand and adopt the same. There has to be sustainability in innovation. For example – Chips have to be innovated that require less energy. While designing, the product’s heat production, energy consumption, and carbon price have to be considered. Sleep Mode in various devices is an example of green computing design. Also, raw materials being used have to be kept in mind too, as using raw materials that are hazardous to the environment cannot be used in production processes.
However, green computing is not being implemented at a larger scale. One of the greatest barriers being faced is a lack of knowledge and most importantly, a lack of concern. The Information and Communication Technology sector is bothered by the development of components in a faster time and manner rather than development in an eco-friendly way. Also, it requires a capital investment as well to change all the conventional setups, but later on, green computing can lower the costs of organizations, one of the ways is that there are lower utility costs.
Thus, primarily, green computing is being environmentally conscious manufacturing, designing, using, and disposing of technology and the main idea behind it is to reduce carbon emissions in the environment which will bring down the energy costs in the environment as well as the carbon footprint.
