No Watt Wasted: University of Oxford Makes Strides in Green IT Practices
The University of Oxford's IT department has published data regarding its initative to assess and improve the impact its PCs and projects have on the environment.
How I became aware of this initiative was through Nexthink's Engage feature, which sent me a pop-up message the second I logged into my laptop. Engage is a direct-to-device, onscreen messaging tool that EUC teams (and our own IT department) use to keep employees informed and engage-d (get it?).
In the past, we've published research on wasteful computing habits based on 3.5 million anonymous customer endpoints. We discovered, for example, that when the average work computer takes longer than 5 minutes to start, it can produce, at a minimum, 450 tons of CO2 emissions per year—or the equivalent of 50,636 gallons of gasoline!
The University of Oxford's study also reveals some pertinent findings, and recommended habits, that any CTO or CIO would be wise to follow. Below is a summary of that study:
Screen Crazy
Oxford's IT team determined that a typical staff desktop and screen used for eight hours results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to around 70g CO2e arising from the electricity consumed.
Of course, some electricity consumption is unavoidable, but having extra screens and desktops per user might be a telltale sign your organization is wasting energy (and money).
What I found interesting about the intitiative is that they calculated what a given work setup represents in terms of energy consumption (based on supplier data and scaled to use over a six-year period). For example, if you're a 'laptop + screen user', your output would be 691kg CO2e, or if you're a 'desktop + screen + laptop user', then your output would be 1,030kg CO2e (check out the rest of the data here).
Stop torturing your PC
The team behind the project also pinpointed how ultimately, employee actions can make the biggest impact in energy efficiencies.
For example, they determined that a desktop and screen in active use consumes around 40W electricity. Power saving options can reduce that figure to 15W (a good start), but what makes a bigger difference is if the user shuts down the device and disconnects it from the wall.
For context: a sample PC kept 'active' continuously produces 73kg CO2e, but a PC shut down and disconnected at the wall triggers an 80% reduction in emissions (14.7kg CO2e).
Tips to Get Going in the Right Direction
The team at Oxford also lists several cogent tips to address the problems they highlight in the study. I've seen many of these same strategies used by our own customers and partners:
1. Laptop Lifecycles Matter
Laptops, with their shorter replacement cycles, pose a greater environmental challenge. Plus, the decision to replace laptops more frequently significantly amplifies the carbon footprint associated with their manufacture. Users and IT leaders must be cognizant of this impact and reconsider the necessity of frequent upgrades.
2. A Call for Responsible EUC (end-user computing)
Understanding the efficiency of your devices in use is crucial. Power consumption measurements from the study revealed that shutting down desktops after use can cut GHG emissions by more than 50%. This simple action, along with disconnecting laptop chargers overnight, can lead to substantial reductions in our carbon footprint.
3. Supply Chain Dynamics: Buy Less, Optimize More
Reducing our environmental impact requires a holistic approach that encompasses both the upstream and downstream aspects of the supply chain. Learning efficient ways of working with a single screen, sticking to a single device, and running equipment for longer can collectively make a significant positive impact. As highlighted in their report, the University's partnership with Dell, a supplier committed to sustainability, exemplifies the potential of responsible procurement.
4. Extended Lifecycles and Responsible Disposal
Extending the lifecycles of your devices and opting for repairs instead of replacements are pivotal actions in the pursuit of sustainability. The university's commitment to operating desktop PCs for a minimum of six years and screens until they fail or become obsolete sets a precedent for responsible technology use. Ensuring that 'spare' equipment is returned for reuse maximizes its operational life and minimizes unnecessary new purchases.
5. Actions for Everyone
And finally, individual actions, when multiplied, can create a tangible difference. Avoiding the purchase of extra screens, choosing between a desktop or laptop based on role requirements, returning unused equipment for redeployment, and adhering to responsible disposal practices are simple yet effective steps that every user can take.
