Computer and electronic equipment
Just one desktop computer, used for eight hours a day, generates over 600 kilograms of greenhouse gases each year. Computers and monitors account for 85-95% of office equipment energy costs, so think about what you can do to reduce your school's carbon footprint.
Quick wins
- Take time out. Stand-by mode in electrical appliances consumes as much as 15% of their total power consumption, so switch off computer and office equipment at the wall when they are not in use. This simple practice will save money and the environment.
- Photocopy in batches. Run all your print jobs at once as each time you start the photocopier it uses more energy. Then switch off the photocopier after use - most photocopiers and printers can be left inactive 95 percent of the time.
Medium-level projects
- Recycle old computers. More than a million unwanted computers end up in landfill each year. There are a number of companies that recycle, refurbish or reuse computers - find out from Planet Ark has a database of recycling facilities around Australia.
Major investments
- Upgrade to laptops and LCDs. Consider purchasing laptops - they use 90% less energy than a standard desktop computer. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) flat screens are also a good option, as they use roughly half the amount of electricity as a CRT monitor. Look for a high Energy Star rating for all new computer equipment.
