ANN ARBOR—Through the Climate Savers Computing Initiative (CSCI), University of Michigan has committed to reducing its energy consumption from IT devices by 10 percent over the next two years. The goal of the University of Michigan’s green plan is to encourage simple, eco-friendly changes that make a big difference.

“The cost-savings alone make energy efficient computing a smart strategy for any individual and organization,” said Bill Wrobleski, director of technical infrastructure operations for University of Michigan Administrative Information Services. “Saving the environment can lead to saving extra money, ultimately delivering a big benefit in a tough economy.”

CSCI at University of Michigan is implementing small changes campus-wide that will result in a reduced carbon footprint. These best practices can be implemented by any organization that resolves to go green in 2009:

• Go mobile! Laptops are more eco-friendly than a desktop for those needing a new computer, but any new equipment should be Energy-Star 4.0 and EPEAT rated.
• Flip the switch on when you are ready to use the equipment. Leaving equipment, like printers, on and idle wastes electricity. Maximize energy efficiency by turning off any IT equipment not in use.
• Use sleep mode for equipment that will sit idle for short periods of time. 
• Save trees by reconsidering what gets printed. Print only final versions of reports, print double-sided on paper and try narrower margins to reduce waste.
• Donate used equipment through freecycle.org or a2ecycle.org.
• Recycle IT equipment and keep it out of landfills, where it can be hazardous waste. For recycling resources, check www.michigan.gov/deqreswastecontacts.
• Reevaluate server rooms and data centers to see if consolidation is possible.
• Develop a green purchasing strategy that can help save money and the environment. Green purchasing includes seeking energy efficient devices and eco-conscious suppliers.

In addition to green computing strategies, U-M is developing sustainable green purchasing related to IT and other University operations. The University is also creating green academic initiatives including internships, research projects, and academic scholarships.

The Climate Savers Computing Initiative is a nonprofit group of more than 200 eco-conscious consumers, businesses and conservation organizations dedicated to improving the power efficiency and reducing energy consumption of computers. Climate Savers Computing Initiative has identified a national goal to reduce energy consumption of computers by 50 percent by 2010, netting $5.5 billion in global energy savings and an annual reduction of 54 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

U-M is committed to raising awareness of the environmental impact of IT and creating sustainable change that reduces its carbon footprint. Through policies and activities related to IT use and purchasing, U-M is committed to developing environmentally conscious practices in its students, faculty and administration.

U-M Sustainability fosters a more sustainable world through collaborations across campus and beyond aimed at educating students, generating new knowledge, and minimizing our environmental footprint. Learn more at sustainability.umich.edu.

Related Links:

• Climate Savers