Green Computing with Dell
Posted by Kelly Smith on Fri, May 07, 2010
The first clue that Dell is a good company to look at for green IT needs is that it is a member of the illustrious Leadership Club of the U.S. EPA's
Green Power Partnership. Dell is an environmental leader in the IT field, purchasing 129% of its conventional electricity usage in green power company-wide. That is, Dell purchases green power for its international operations as well.
By comparison, Hewlett-Packard only purchases green power to offset 3% or 4% of their electricity usage at facilities in a few states. IBM purchases between 12% and 100% green power at their facilities in a few states. Apple purchases green power that is equivalent to 88% of their electricity usage at their Austin, Texas, facility. Microsoft is not a Green Power Partner at all. Investment in green electricity is an easy way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their green image.
Investment in green power is not Dell's only step towards operating an environmentally sustainable business. According to their website, certain lines of Dell computers such as the Latitude E-Series laptops and the Optiplex desktops are designed for energy efficiency. These same computer models are noted for a reduction or elimination of harmful chemicals such as PVC and mercury.
In general, Dell has been able to improve the energy efficiency of their desktop computers by 50% in the last five years and the efficiency of their laptop computers by 16% in the last five years. Using LED monitors in laptop computers is one technological advance that has allowed an increase in energy efficiency. Certain types of Dell notebook computers are now being shipped to customers in packaging made from sustainably harvested bamboo, which is better for the environment than traditional paper packaging. For customers seeking a more sustainable computer, Dell is a good place to start looking.