IT industry joins global initiative to cut greenhouse gas emissions

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Leading companies and industry bodies pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes over the next three years

Nine leading IT companies and industry bodies in India have joined the Climate Savers Computing Initiative (CSCI) that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes over the next three years.

They include CII, Dell, HP, Intel, MAIT, Nasscom, TERI and WWF. Over the next three years, these companies/organisations will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes (an amount equal to planting around 4,800 sq km of trees, and savings of Rs 2,250 crore in energy costs) by promoting smart technologies and best practices and sensitising organisations and individuals to adopt power management techniques.

The Climate Savers Computing Initiative is a non-profit group of eco-conscious consumers, businesses and conservation organisations dedicated to reducing the energy consumption of computers.

Over 475 companies and organisations have joined the initiative since its launch in June 2007, and thousands of individuals have pledged their support. The initiative is led by CSC, Dell, Google, HP, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft, and World Wide Fund for Nature.

Computers waste 30-40% of the power they use. Most of today’s desktop PCs are capable of automatically transitioning to sleep or hibernate mode when inactive for a sustained duration. But in about 90% of systems this functionality has been disabled, resulting in higher energy consumption and increased electricity use. IT users generally lack awareness about the power-saving features built into present-day machines.

“With the right user behaviour and latest energy-efficient technologies now easily available to us, we can continue to drive power reduction with the use of energy-efficient computers,” said Rahul Bedi, director of corporate affairs, Intel South Asia, one of the prime movers behind the initiative’s expansion.

At the launch of the India chapter of CSCI, Minister of State for Environment, Jairam Ramesh, announced some measures to encourage energy-efficient products and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.

Starting January 2010 it will become mandatory for certain products to carry eco labelling. The first phase will cover four products -- refrigerators, airconditioners, distribution transformers and fluorescent lamps. By mid-2010, three more product lines (colour TVs, LPG stoves, and electric motors) will need to carry the mandatory eco labelling.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency will work with industry to develop a labelling system that will enable end users of computers to make informed choices in favour of energy-efficient systems.