More Energy Saving tips for computers

Screen savers don't save energy. They just protect the monitor from having a single image imprinted on it. You can protect your monitor and save energy by turning it off when you aren't using your PC. If you use a laptop, set the laptop to sleep mode after several minutes.

Computers should be shut off when not used for long periods of time, such as overnight. When you're away from your computer, use the "sleep" or "energy-saver" mode. This will turn off the monitor, but your computer will not have to be restarted. Even better would be to turn off the computer, monitor and peripherals using a surge protector or power strip. Plus, in the summer, the heat generated from computer equipment and video games is just more heat that your air conditioner has to work to remove and keep your home cool.

According the web site consumerenergycenter.org, the U.S. EPA estimates that over 11 billion kilowatt-hours (kWH) could be saved through computer monitor power management. This would amount to $935 million per year saved at 8.5 cents/kWh, enough energy to power over one million households for a year., and CO2 reductions equivalent to preventing the emission from 1.5 million cars or planting 2.5 million acres of trees.

We've all heard a lot about what we can do around our own homes to save energy, but it's just as important to practice good energy saving habits at the office. What are some things you and your coworkers can do to save energy and money at work?

• Turn off office equipment when not needed, such as at night and on the weekend.


• Mandate the use of power-management for computers and turn off all computers when idle for more than two hours.


• Replace the light bulb in your desk lamp with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL. It will last up to 5 times longer and use about 75 percent less energy. Turn off lights when you're away, and especially when you leave at night.


• Unplug electronics such as cell phones and laptops once they are charged. Adapters plugged into outlets use energy even if they are not charging.


• Use motion or occupancy sensors to minimize unnecessary use of lights in conference rooms, supply rooms, copy rooms, kitchens, rest rooms and hallways.


• Keep air vents clear of paper, files, and office supplies. It takes as much as 25% more energy to pump air into the workspace if the vents are blocked.


• Work with janitorial staff to ensure lights and other equipment is turned off in the evening, or discuss the feasibility of cleaning being done during the day.


• Set the default on your copiers and printers to print double-sided. In addition; encourage employees to be diligent about storing information electronically instead of printing and saving hard copies when it's not necessary. This saves on toner, paper and electricity because you're printing less often.


• Consider working with the facility manager at your place of employment to determine how efficient your building is and if there are adjustments that can be made to heating and cooling equipment or lighting to enhance the building's efficiency.