News in the Channel - issue #26

ENERGY EFFICIENT COMPUTERS

replaced in a way that is unsustainable,” he says. “For example, findings show that older devices are comparable to new in terms of energy efficiency, so there is no need to replace current devices on that basis alone without further investigation. “Based on data, we see major opportunities to expand the use of remanufactured devices, which are greener, cheaper and comparable in quality and performance to new devices. For example, we found that 76% of large organisations’ current laptop environment can be remanufactured. As 79% of a laptops carbon footprint is generated during manufacturing, this is an important consideration.” Sophia Haywood-Atkinson, services director, UK, TD SYNNEX, agrees that while energy efficiency is a consideration for any businesses purchasing new IT equipment more buyers are looking for trade-in options. “TD SYNNEX has its own trade-in company called CMR, which is a specialist in take-back services for notebooks and mobile devices,” she says. “We work closely with them to buy back notebooks and mobiles for recycling and re-use. Trade-ins are increasingly popular with customers of all sizes and we’re also starting to receive more enquiries about recycled or remanufactured laptops, and that’s an area of the market we see growing strongly over the next couple of years.” Mary agrees that it is important to look at the wider picture. “Not just at how to improve energy efficiency but also how to reduce emissions,” she says. “This includes by considering the way products are shipped, the packaging and in how products are recycled or reused at end- of-life. “Organisations should start with avoiding and reducing emission internally and across the value chain. For example, even with energy efficiency projects, facilities can avoid energy consumption by turning off unused equipment or reduce energy consumption by optimising heating or

cooling systems. These energy efficiency projects can lead to avoiding or reducing emissions and reducing energy costs.” What difference does it make? Energy efficient computers can make a difference regarding sustainability for a business. However, the impact can depend on how the device is used. “Our Sustainable Workplace Research also found that only 40% of environment impacting settings can be reinforced with automated policies, so the impact of energy efficient computers predominantly depends on how employees use them,” says Sebastien.

Mike Barron managing director

synaxon-services.com

“

Choosing when to use the grid or the battery can have a huge impact on carbon footprint.

”

“An energy efficient computer will not tackle behavioural issues such as use of multiple monitors – 48% of users use an external monitor – or not switching off the device at night, as 16% of devices run for over 23 hours a day. “Another major issue that energy efficient laptops do not tackle is carbon intensity. The carbon intensity of the grid can vary by 2.3 times in the UK during the day, so choosing when to use the grid or the battery can have a huge impact on carbon footprint.” Reseller conversations When talking about energy efficient computers to customers, resellers should focus on certain aspects. “Resellers should be highlighting that energy efficient computers can be an important factor in reducing energy use in the data centre and on-premise, but also

Sebastien Vibert engagement director

and sustainable workplace lead

atos.net

CONTINUED