Gartner estimates that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Industry accounts for about 2% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a
figure equivalent to that of the aviation sector.
(Ref:
http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=503867)
UniSA is committed to reducing it's carbon footprint for IT through the promotion of sensible and practical changes to the way we all work. By working together we can help reduce our impact on the environment.
Here are some easy ways you can help:
- Shutdown your computer at night, over the weekend and any time you won't be using it for longer than an hour;
- Ensure that notebook and desktop computer power saving settings are set to optimal power management;
- Look for online content wherever possible to reduce printing, but use double-sided printing and recycled paper in your printer when you have to print;
- Use a network printer - avoid purchasing small desktop/inkjet printers as they cost more to run, do not generally support double sided printing and produce more ink cartridges to dispose of.
- Recycle your toner cartridges, mobile phones, batteries and used paper appropriately;
- Recycle IT hardware that is no longer required or considered "end of life", this includes computers, monitor, printers, etc.
- Introduce live plants in the office to help offset negative energy emissions;
- Unplug or switch off all equipment at the wall when not in use, a device can still draw power when it is turned off but still plugged in.
What we are doing to reduce UniSA's carbon footprint:
- We have replaced all existing CRT monitors in the ISTS-managed Computer Pools with much more energy efficient LCD monitors.
- Only LCD monitors are available for purchase by the University;
- We have enabled duplex printing by default on all ISTS-managed printers fitted with this capability to reduce the amount of paper used;
- We eliminated the use of printer header sheets in Computer Pools by adding the user id as a watermark on all printing;
- We recycle printer toner cartridges used in Computer Pools;
- We recycle Computer Pool hardware at end of life;
- We have implemented virtual technologies to reduce the number of physical servers required which reduces energy consumption;
- Where possible we avoid unnecessary travel through the use of remote desktop tools to provide user support and video conferencing for meetings;
- We ensure that new hardware power saving is set for optimal power management;
- We remotely shut down most Computer Pool PCs overnight if no-one is logged on
- All new hardware purchasing must conform to energy star 4.0 specifications. Hardware with an energy star 4.0 specification uses 15 to 25 percent less energy on average than a standard new computer.
Future steps:
- We are investigating methods of replacing hard copy forms with online forms and authorisation work flow to reduce paper usage;
- We are working towards a standardised SOE which includes standard power management settings and remote management tools;
- We are investigating the benefits of application virtualisation to reduce the impact of incompatible applications on hardware and to ensure that our current software licenses are correctly utilised.
What other UniSA teams are doing:
Check out our division pages for more information on Green initiatives within UniSA:
- Facilities Management Environment website
- Division of Business (BUE) IT
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences (EAS) IT