1. Efficient use of office technologies
Efficient use of office technologies lowers the energy usage of existing equipment, typically by switching the equipment to a low-energy state when not in use.
• Install supplemental computer power management software (such as EPA’s EZ Save, Verdiem SURVEYOR, 1E Nightwatch, Desktop Standard’s Policy Maker on PC networks). Centralized power management software sets power settings of all networked PCs and monitors to minimize energy waste. The software increases efficiency by allowing central controls to override individual user power settings. If company operations require that computers not be turned off at night, centralized power management software allows IT administrators to put PCs in a low power state and then power them up as needed (to install software, update virus definitions, etc.).
For a full listing of software providers, consult the Energy Star® power management products website. Accessible at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=power_mgt.pr_power_management A number of power management software vendors will perform a free audit of network PC energy use and conduct an analysis of energy savings and payback time.1 Consult vendors for more information.
Payback period: Typical payback for purchase and installation of supplemental power management software on PCs is six months to one year.2
• Install energy savings devices on vending machines or ask vendors to provide more efficient vending machines. Installation of a Vending Miser® or a similar device should be considered for each cooling-equipped vending machine. These devices manage both the lighting and the compressor in vending machines, and turn lighting on and off as necessary using a motion sensor. These devices reduce the energy consumption of vending machines about 50% on average, while maintaining proper temperature and necessary illumination.3
Payback period: At Tufts University, where Vending Misers® were installed on all campus vending machines, the payback period for the units was between one and two years.4
2. Equipment replacement/purchasing
• Purchase Energy Star® certified PCs and servers with 80 Plus® certified power supplies (converter cords) for PCs and servers. The 80 Plus® performance standard requires that power supplies be at least 80% efficient at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load. PCs with 80 Plus® certified power supplies are estimated to be ~33% more efficient than those without.5 The Energy Star® Version 4.0 specifications for desktop computers, which went into effect in July 2007, require that PC power supplies meet 80 Plus® performance standards.
A list of PC models with 80 Plus® certified power supplies can be accessed at http://www.80plus.org/manu/psu/manu_psu.htm.
Costs and rebates: There is little to no incremental cost for Energy Star® certified PCs and servers. Savings calculators for Energy Star® office equipment can be accessed at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ofc_equip.pr_office_equipment
• Purchase Energy Star® certified printers, copiers and monitors. Energy Star® printers, copiers and monitors automatically switch to low-power standby modes after a period of inactivity. Overall, Energy Star® certified office equipment uses 30–75% less electricity than standard equipment.6
Savings calculators for EnergyStar® office equipment can be accessed at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ofc_equip.pr_office_equipment.
Costs and rebates: There is little to no incremental cost for Energy Star® certified printers, copiers and monitors.
Savings calculators for Energy Star® office equipment can be accessed at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ofc_equip.pr_office_equipment
• Purchase high-speed, duplex-capable laser printers, and make duplex printing the default print setting. Although high-speed printers have a somewhat higher energy draw per minute of operating time, shortened printing time outweighs increased energy draw and results in less energy use per page. For example, a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study found that an eight page per minute (ppm) laser printer drew 60 watts, while a 24 ppm printer drew 100 watts. Because of the reduced printing time per job on the faster printer, however, average energy draw per print job was reduced by 40% on the 24 ppm printer.7
Costs and rebates: High-speed printers are generally priced higher than low-speed printers, but because they can handle larger print loads, fewer high-speed printers are needed to meet printing demand. Thus, especially when energy savings are accounted for, the net cost of high-speed printers tends to be lower on a cost/ppm basis. Duplex printing reduces the cost of paper and paper disposal by up to half. A
reduction in paper use will also lower the company’s upstream greenhouse gas footprint. For more information, see: www.papercalculator.org.
