Computer Equipment
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Overall Strategies
Office equipment, such as computers and display monitors, can be energy intensive, so it's important to seek out energy efficient models. Many newly manufactured computers and monitors are ENERGY STAR rated, which means that they use less electricity. An alternative to large servers is to partially or completely employ cloud-based memory and processing. This eliminates the need for program space for a LAN room, and also decreases the HVAC loads for a building because of the amount of heat generated by the equipment.
Best Practices
- Select ENERGY STAR certified servers and related equipment to reduce energy consumption and cooling load required.
- Research purchase of recycled content metal server racks.
- Consider use of power conservation technology for computer monitors, for example WattStoppers.
- Laptops support worker flexibility and conserve energy.
- Turn off all monitors, and computers at end of day.
- Select ENERGY STAR computer equipment as it consumes less energy.
- Use UPS units to reduce down time in case of power outages.
- As required for ENERGY STAR building benchmarking install meters to capture IT load and HVAC load separately.
- If possible, allow for multiple private offices to share printers, faxes, or copiers.
- Wireless accessories (such as a mouse or keyboard) should use rechargeable batteries.
- Provide for office-wide policy about computers going into sleep mode after a certain amount of time.
- Consider having plug loads controlled by occupancy sensors so that non-critical equipment is powered down when not in use.
- Provide ENERGY STAR rated equipment wherever possible.
Compare Computer Equipment Options
EB = Existing BuildingsNC = New Construction and Major Renovation