Green computing is using

computers and related hardware in

a way that is environmentally
friendly.
Computers and related hardware:
• Use up a lot of trees and energy.
• May contain toxic substances such as
mercury, cadmium, and lead, which may
negatively impact the quality of our
environment if not disposed of
responsibly.
• Algorithmic Efficiency
• Power Management
• Video Card
• Display
• Materials Recycling
• Telecommuting
The efficiency of algorithms has an impact on the
amount of computer resources required for any
given computing function and there are many
efficiency trade-offs in writing programs. As
computers have become more numerous and the
cost of hardware has declined relative to the cost
of energy, the energy efficiency and
environmental impact of computing systems and
programs has received increased attention.
The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
(ACPI), an open industry standard, allows an operating
system to directly control the power saving aspects of
its underlying hardware. This allows a system to
automatically turn off components such as monitors
and hard drives after set periods of inactivity. In
addition, a system may hibernate, where most
components (including the CPU and the system RAM)
are turned off.
A fast CPU may be the largest power consumer in a
computer. Energy-efficient display options include:
•No video card - use a shared terminal, shared thin client ,
or desktop sharing software if display required.
•Use motherboard video output - typically low 3D
performance and low power.
•Select a GPU based on low idle power, average wattage,
or performance per watt.
CRT monitors typically use more power than
LCD monitors. They also contain significant
amounts of lead. LCD monitors typically use
a cold-cathode fluorescent bulb to provide
light for the display.
The recycling of old computers raises an important
privacy issue. The old storage devices still hold
private information, such as emails, passwords, and
credit card numbers, which can be recovered simply
by someone's using software available freely on the
Internet.
Teleconferencing and telepresence technologies are
often implemented in green computing initiatives.
The advantages are many:
• Increased worker satisfaction,
•Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions related to
travel,
•Increased profit margins as a result of lower
overhead costs for office space, heat, lighting, etc.
• Turn off the computer when not in use,
even if just for an hour.
• Turn off the monitor when not in use (as
opposed to running a screen saver).
• Use power saver mode.
• Use hardware/software with the Energy
Star label.
• Don’t print unless necessary.
• Use LCDs instead of CRTs as they are
more power efficient.
 Used in soldering of printed circuit boards and
other components
also used in glass for CRTs
The problem:
•lead can cause damage to the central and
peripheral nervous systems, blood system,
kidneys, endocrine system and cause negative
effects on child brain development.
•lead accumulates in the environment and has
toxic effects on plants, animals and
microorganisms.
•electronics contribute 40% of the total amount
of lead found in landfills and can make its way
from landfills into the water supplies.
Mercury is used in
batteries, switches, housing, printed circuit boards
mercury is found in medical equipment, data
transmission equipment, telecommunications
equipment and cell phones as well.
The problem
mercury spreads out in water transforming into
methylated mercury which easily accumulates in living
organisms
it enters the food chain through fish that swim in
polluted waters
methylated mercury can cause chronic brain damage
Cadmium is used in resistors for chips, infrared
detectors and in semiconductors (plus older
CRTs).
The problem:
cadmium is classified as toxic, these
compounds accumulate in the human body,
particularly the kidneys
cadmium is absorbed through respiration and
also food intake
cadmium has a half life of 30 years so that
cadmium can poison a human body slowly
through the human’s life.
•Plastics are found throughout the computer,
largely from casings but also internally to hold
components together.
•One specific form of plastics used is polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) which is used in cabling and
housings.
•The plastics in computers are often treated
with flame retardant chemicals, particularly
brominated flame retardant.
•Reuse: donate your computer components to
people who may not have or have lesser quality
computers.
•Refurbish: rather than discarding your
computer when the next generation is released,
just get a new CPU and memory chips –
upgrade rather than replace.
• If companies can recycle the plastics and
other components, this can greatly reduce
waste and toxins.
• Nokia
• Dell
• Lenovo
• Sony ericson
• Samsung
• Motorola
• Toshiba
• Acer
• Apple
• HP
• Panasonic
• Sony
•Green computing is a novel and an
innovative trend in the world of computing
which has minimum or no impact on the
environment.

• Green computing has introduced a range of

equipments and technologies which help in
limiting the impact on the environment.