Green Computing

When one of your university campuses sits on a 1600-acre nature preserve and your school colors are blue and green, it's hard to ignore your responsibility to the environment. You can help UWF be a eco-role model to the Pensacola community and to other universities, and you can start from your computer. Here's how...

TIPS FOR EVERYONE

1. Think before you print.
   
   Consider the damage caused to the environment by logging and factor in the energy spent processing and transporting paper, then you can begin to understand the enormous impact of printing. Fortunately technology can help - email is the likely cause of the reduction of standard mail by 5.9 million pieces between 2002 and 2006, saving 4.4 million trees. Unfortunately, when we print email we undo the good. You can help remind others to think before they print, by including a "think before you print" message in your email signature.



2. Reduce computer and monitor power consumption.
   
   The typical desktop computer consumes 200-300W of power or 220Kg/year of CO2. By using efficient systems, this can be reduced by 75%. Where to start...
   
   
   • Use LCD flat-screen monitors which require half the power required by CRT (big box) monitors.
   • Don't use a screen saver on a flat-screen LCD monitor. A screen saver does nothing to protect an LCD monitor, but does consume unnecessary energy.
   • Set your monitor to automatically turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
   • Turn off your computer (or at least the monitor) when not in use.
     
     
3. Properly dispose of IT equipment.
   
   Each year 20-50 million tons of electronic equipment end up in landfills where they leak mercury and lead into the environment. It is currently estimated that only 1 - 12% of PCs and cell phones are recycled. If we take the appropriate steps to recycle electronics, we can prevent 70% of the toxic waste in U.S. landfills.
   
   Make your Computer Last: When considering the purchase of a new energy-efficient computer, you should weigh the efficiency against the environmental impact of turning your computer into landfill. In most cases, you should keep your computer as long as it works efficiently for you. There are also options to extend the life of your computer such as replacing hard drives and memory.
   
   Disposal of UWF Electronics: The procedure for disposing of computer monitors and toner cartridges is outlined on the website for the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Responsible parties should contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for the appropriate disposal of all other non-working devices with electronic circuitry.
   
   Disposal of Personal Electronics: Escambia County residents can recycle electronics at the Perdido Landfill or at the quarterly Regional Roundups at local high schools. More information available at http://www.escambiarecycles.com/Electronics.php. Similar recycling programs are available in most other counties. In addition, many of the big-box electronic stores will take back electronics that you purchased from them (though they usually don't advertise this service). Apple, Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Depot, and Staples all offer recycling programs, but details vary so call in advance. Or, check Earth 911's database of recycling and re-use locations. As for toner cartridges, recycle them and buy a refilled cartridge.
   
   

A FEW MORE TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES

1. When possible, replace travel with video conferencing or web conferencing.
   
   While there is nothing quite like being there, video conferencing and web conferencing are now coming close. These technologies allow participants to see and hear each other, and share power point presentations, computer applications, and anything else that you can display on your computer. At UWF, Elluminate and Scopia are available to connect multiple people who are each sitting at their own computer. University libraries also offer video conferencing facilities to connect groups of people at different locations.
   
   
2. Depending on your job, consider working from home one day a week.
   
   Working from home reduces the need to commute and thereby reduces the emission of greenhouse gasses. If enough employees work from home and the amount of office space can be reduced, the energy savings on office heat, air conditioning, and lighting will exceed the travel savings! Through technology, working at home is now much more like being in the office - learn more on our Work at Home website.