If you are shopping for a new notebook computer/desktop PC and want to lessen its impact on the environment, there are ways to create a greener computing experience. Since 2009, notebook/desktop computers available from the University Tenders have been eco-friendly with strict requirements for each model proposed that is EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) Silver/Gold-certified, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) and Energy Star compliance.

An environmentally friendly computer will help preserve the environment. Here is what you need to know:

Go Small: A notebook computer consumes five (5) times less energy than a desktop PC. If you have ruled out notebook computers because of their inflexible ergonomics and higher costs, consider a small- form-factor (SFF) desktop PC as they tend to guzzle less power as well as generate less noise than full-size towers.

Avoid Hazardous Materials: Most notebooks/desktop PCs are laden with hazardous components such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and some brominated flame retardants. EPEAT-Silver/Gold registered notebook/ desktop PCs are evaluated according to stringent sets of environmental criteria that will reduce hazardous wastes.

Energy Star: To wear this badge, the systems must meet certain consumption requirements when idle and when fully powered on. For instance, their power supplies must be able to convert 80% of incoming electricity for use by the notebook/desktop PCs, and to ensure energy savings when computers are being used and performing a range of tasks, as well as they are turned off or into a low power/sleep mode.

Go Multicore: Most Intel Core 2 Duo processor optimizes power consumption by selectively powering up processor components only when necessary, resulting in more energy savings.

Video cards remain energy hogs, however. High-end cards easily exceed 100 watts at full load, and popular dual-card setups for gaming double that wattage. If you don’t play advanced 3D games, go with integrated graphics cards for lowest power consumption.

Recycle it: On average, most users buy a new PC every 3 years. That’s a relatively short lifespan for a product that creates toxic waste when it’s recycled. When unwanted PC is abandoned on the curb, the equipment is often taken to landfills where they pose a serious threat to the health of backyard recyclers looking to recover trace amounts of silver/gold, or where toxins such as lead, mercury and cadmium leach into the groundwater and poison the air - if they don’t release deadly fumes into the environment by being burned in incinerators first. It’s worth considering buying expandable computers so that you can upgrade to meet growing needs.

The smaller footprints, lighter weight, ultraportable notebooks are intrinsically greener than larger footprint, heavier products. They are made to provide the desired performance when consuming lesser materials. Requirements for packing are reduced, saving energy and materials. For example, green notebook processor use about 35W or less, while desktop CPU uses about 65W or more. The green notebook computers use mercury-free LEDS in order to illuminate display. This saves a lot of energy, and enables a thinner screen. Green notebooks that are made up of solid-state drives (SSD) are faster, reliable and much lighter than the ordinary drive. In addition, some of the notebook computers are aluminum case, which are easily recyclable and highly wanted by recyclers, and all the materials that are used for packing are recyclable as well.

“Consider the environment, make a wise choice.”

Links to the NUS Tenders for your Easy Reference:

1. Notebook Tender for Student / Staff
2. Notebook Tender for Departments
3. Desktop PC Tender for Departments