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Efficient Office Equipment
An increasing proportion of a commercial business’ energy use is due to the greater reliance of operations on computers, printers, copiers, servers, fax machines and other related information and communications technology equipment, not to mention the refrigerators, microwaves, toaster ovens, and the proverbial water coolers.
Energy efficient copier

energy efficient computer

Make certain that you purchase products labeled with the EPA's Energy Star designation, and understand that although the Energy Star label makes it easier to choose energy-efficient equipment, often the operational opportunities to save are ignored or de-emphasized in the office environment. For example, PC’s usually include energy-saving features such as sleep modes for the monitor and CPU. The simple practice of turning off personal computers at the end of the day is often overlooked, partly because there is no impact on the office-worker failing to do so; as he is not responsible for paying the electric bill.

The popularity of screen-savers used on desktop PC’s can actually increase electricity consumption due to their use. The complexity of the graphics in a screen saver often use more CPU energy during their use and the monitors would save more if just allowed to operate in sleep mode after a pre-set period of non-use. While nearly every computer has this savings capability built into its software, seldom is it used to its benefit. An office policy that requires monitor sleep mode, and where feasible, also CPU sleep modes, is recommended from an efficiency standpoint.

For more information, refer to your computer’s Help index under “Power Management”, “System Standby” or “Monitor Shut-off.”

 

   

This page was last modified on 08/06/2008

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