Introduction
- The practice of Green Information Technology (Green IT) seeks to minimize certain byproducts of the manufacturing and use of communications technology.
- These byproducts have adverse environmental effects, including greenhouse gas emissions, plastic pollution, and electronic waste.
- At NC State, Green IT is mainly focused on computing in environmentally sustainable ways by:
- Conserving electricity
- Managing electronic devices
- Reducing paper usage
- Minimizing electronic waste
OIT’s role
- By practicing Green IT, OIT is helping NC State reduce its “carbon pawprint” and advance sustainability.
- OIT works in partnership with the University Sustainability Office and others on campus.
- For NC State’s Green IT rating, see Sustainability.
What you can do
Buy efficient, certified electronics
- When purchasing electronics of any kind, make sure they are Energy Star certified.
- For purchases with university funds, be sure to see Combined Purchasing Initiative (CPI) at NC State .
- Know how much electricity your device will use. For details, see
- Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certifies electronics based on environmental impact from factory to landfill.
Manage your power settings
- Energy Star recommends setting computers to enter standby or hibernate mode after 15-60 minutes of inactivity and monitors to enter sleep mode after 5-20 minutes of inactivity.
- On your laptop, activate both AC and battery power-saving profiles. To find out how, consult your computer’s online Help or see Activate Power Management on Your Computer.
Deactivate your screensaver
A modern computer screen does not need a screensaver, which uses a lot of electricity and may override your power management settings.
Turn off unused devices
- When you are not using your computer, power it down.
- Powering your computer up again does not take more energy than keeping it running.
- Don’t power up your peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners) until you need them.
Conserve paper
- Save files electronically instead of in paper form.
- Read documents and emails on-screen.
- For necessary printing, use both sides of paper when you can.
- Conduct business electronically instead of in-person or by mail. This will also save gas and transport emissions.
- Use recycled paper.
- Recycle used paper whenever possible.
E-cycle
- Donate old computers and mobile devices to others — but first make sure you remove all personal information!
- Take your unusable electronics to a reputable e-cycler.
- Visit Recycling Guide.
Telecommute
NC State provides resources for online work and study to avoid driving to and from campus. See Telecommuting Resources.
Think Green IT!
- Learn how you can implement other sustainable solutions.
- Join in the efforts of the Sustainability community at NC State today.