Green Computing – The Future of Computing

WHAT IS GREEN COMPUTING ?

It is a study and practice of environmentally sustainable computing. In other words, minimizing the environmental impact of computer system and its resources effectively and eco-friendly. We on a daily basis uses computers and other components which has a huge impact on environment while manufacturing and disposal so to minimize the impact we practice green computing techniques.

Many materials that are used for building PC’s are hazardous and difficult to recycle. The goal is to manage improper use of power consumption and reduce the use of hazardous material and maximize the lifespan of the product. Now-a-days many IT manufacturers are investing in designing and implementing green efficient computer devices, reducing the use of hazardous materials and efficient disposal of electronic waste.

GO GREEN

HISTORY OF GREEN COMPUTING

In 1992, the US Enviromental Protection Agency launched Energy star. It was a voluntary labelling program which was designed to promote and recognize energy-efficient in monitors, climate control equipment, and other technologies. “Green Computing” was coined shortly after the “Energy Star” program began. This result in the widespread adoption of sleep mode in computers and electronics popular among consumer electronics.

WHY IS GREEN COMPUTING REQUIRED ?

Now a day’s  computer is very basic need of all individuals. It makes our life easier and saves our time and efforts but it also has a downside. As computer devices are used in a larger scale (in large sector) which increases the power consumption and also generate a large amount of heat which increases the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) which has adverse impact on our environment. To decrease their impact the green computing comes into existence.

Reasons of using Green Computing –

  • We are producing PCs on a larger scale and manufacturing of electronic devices uses hazardous substances such as lead.
  • Old computers and electronic devices produces a lot of heat which causes the emission of greenhouse gas (CO2) which is one of the gases that are responsible global warming.
  • Improper disposal of electronic devices can produce hazardous waste.
  • We consume most of the natural resources to get the electricity that have adverse impact on the environment.

Green Computing

Advantages of Green Computing –

  • It saves power consumption and reduces the amount of heat produced from the electronic devices.
  • Encourages the use of renewable resources.
  • Reduces the energy cost. Cloud computing can be used to reduce the energy cost and reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the data centers.
  • Encourages recycling and proper disposal of unwanted electronic devices.
  • Minimizing waste during manufacturing of computers and its resources.
  • Green Disposal – Reuse, Refurbish, Recycle

Disadvantages of Green Computing –

  • Green computing is quite costly.
  • Some computers that are green are considered underpowered and inefficient.
  • Maintenance and adaptation of a green computing system is considered to be highly difficult.
  • Rapid technology change.

Conclusion

People don’t care about ecological impact when buying computers. Currently, they are not much efficient but it is the near future. Green computing can lead to energy consumption, reducing enviromental impact of technology and promote sustainability.