Campus Computing Sites takes its stewardship of University resources very seriously and fully supports the University's institutional commitment to green computing practices.
We understand that it is generally the best energy saving practice for individual computer users to turn their machine off if not in use for an extended period. However, for the reasons noted below, this is not the case for Sites computers. We ask that our users and partners please leave the computers at all Sites locations on at all times so they can operate as efficiently and reliably as possible.
Some specific examples of energy efficiency initiatives already pursued by Sites include:
Campus Computing Sites was the first large campus computing provider to purchase much more energy efficient LCD flat-panel displays. We also replaced mini-towers with "small form factor" desktop Windows machines. The switch to these physically smaller, more energy efficient machines resulted in significant energy savings for our partners and the University.
All Sites computers purchased in the last six years have been EPA Energy Star compliant. All Sites computers purchased in the last year are compliant with the new, more restrictive Energy Star guidelines released on July 20, 2007.
Sites computers are left on 24/7 throughout most of the year. The primary reason for this is that our Windows and Macintosh computers receive new software and security updates overnight. Sites computers switch to lower-power energy-saving modes when they are left unattended for extended periods of time. These power-saving modes can reduce power consumption by 50–95%, depending on the model.
Sites printers make use of "deep sleep" energy-saving features that reduce energy consumption when not in use. These features appear to be well implemented and do not require additional development work on our part.
Sites technical staff will be working aggressively in the coming year to explore new and improved power-saving features and energy-conscious systems administration practices to further lessen our energy footprint, particularly in off-hours when usage is low or non-existent.
