Make IT Greener
17th April 2023
The third week of April is Earth Week and culminates in Earth Day on Saturday 22nd April, an event that has been observed each year since the first Earth Day in 1970.
Here at Interfuture HQ, we work in a fantastic rural location in Sussex, and are well aware of the amazing nature around us, that we could be at risk of losing forever. Although we are a high tech IT business, we still believe that it is possible to operate sustainably and in harmony with the environment, including the furry, flappy and buzzy housemates that live alongside us (read Our Story - www.interfuture.co.uk/about-us).
5 ways to make your IT set-up more environmentally friendly
Upgrade instead of replacing: instead of buying a new computer every few years, consider upgrading your existing computer. Upgrading components such as the hard drive, memory, or graphics card can extend the life of your computer and reduce e-waste (one of the fastest growing waste streams).
Recycle and dispose of properly: many computer components contain hazardous materials that can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly. There are organisations that will collect and dispose of this waste appropriately or, alternatively, local Recycling Centres will accept electrical equipment, so that the valuable components contained within can be reused/recycled.
According to a collaborative Microsoft-WSP study - cloud computing uses significantly less energy than on-site servers, producing 92% - 98% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Not only is this good for the environment but also your budget!
IT hardware, such as servers, laptops, and desktops, consume a lot of energy but like cars, you can buy Energy Star-certified devices that use less energy and can save up to 50% on electricity costs compared to non-certified devices.
Use a laptop instead of a desktop: laptops are generally more energy-efficient than desktop computers because they consume less power.