15.4.7.1. Definition

Definition: "the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems—such as monitors, printers, storage devices, and networking and communications systems — efficiently and effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment.”

Green computing refers to the responsible and efficient use of computers and associated equipment. This includes every step of a computer's lifecycle: from design and manufacturing to usage and disposal. The core idea is to reduce environmental impact by using technologies that consume less energy and produce less waste throughout their lifecycle. This concept not only promotes eco-friendliness but also encourages businesses and individuals to consider sustainability in their technology choices.

Think of green computing like recycling paper. Just as recycling helps save trees and reduce waste, ensuring that computers and related technologies are designed and used efficiently helps protect the environment by saving energy and reducing harmful waste.

The primary objective of such a program is to account for the triple bottom line (or "People, Planet, Profit").

The triple bottom line framework represents a perspective that encourages businesses to focus on social, environmental, and financial responsibilities. Under this concept, a successful green computing program should benefit people (enhancing quality of life), protect the planet (reducing ecological footprints), and ensure profits (maintaining economic viability). This holistic approach emphasizes that businesses can indeed achieve financial success while being socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.

Consider a bakery that not only sells delicious pastries but also uses eco-friendly packaging and sources organic ingredients. By ensuring happy customers (people), minimizing waste and using sustainable practices (planet), and remaining profitable (profit), the bakery embodies the essence of the triple bottom line.

The term "green computing" was probably coined shortly after the Energy Star program began. The goals are similar to green chemistry namely to reduce the use of hazardous materials; maximize energy efficiency during the product's lifetime; and promote recyclability or biodegradability of defunct products and factory waste.

Green computing gained traction shortly after the introduction of the Energy Star program, which set standards to promote energy efficiency in electronics. It draws parallels with green chemistry, aiming to minimize harmful materials in production and enhance energy efficiency throughout a product's lifecycle. This aspect of green computing encourages companies to design products that are not only energy-efficient but also responsibly produced and easy to recycle or dispose of by environmentally friendly means.

Imagine a car manufacturer that focuses on creating electric vehicles (EVs) with recyclable parts. By minimizing hazardous materials in the manufacturing process and promoting recyclability, this car manufacturer mirrors the principles of green computing, just as green chemistry aims to produce cleaner technologies.

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