Student Computer Labs 2010

Description

Computers Need Sleep Too: Energy Conservation in ITS Student Computer Labs.

The Conceptual Plan for Carbon Neutrality at the University of Colorado at Boulder sets goals

for carbon emission reductions through conservation, increased efficiency, and changes to

energy sources. One area highlighted by the CU Office of Resource Conservation is the potential

energy and greenhouses gas savings from computers. Information Technology Services manages

over 1300 computers of 9 different models in 54 student labs on the CU campus, most of which

are closed between 5m and 8am. Currently, computers in student labs are left on 24/7 for

software updates, energy costs are part of the campus general fund, and there is no mechanism

for determining energy use from the labs, individually or collectively. Without energy use data,

the cost effectiveness and emissions savings of different energy conservation strategies cannot be

assessed. The team worked with ITS staff to develop a baseline of current energy use by

computer model and by lab, and then calculated potential cost, energy, and CO 2 savings based on

different scenarios for energy conservation. Results and recommendations from this study are

potentially applicable to many other computer management groups on campus.

Compatibility mode

Lab report

Spreadsheet