Info-Tech Research Group and Greener Computing have two tools available online that can help your business lower energy consumption and save money. The free research report PC Power Saving Plans Reduce Costs & Environmental Impact can help you learn about techniques for advanced power management.
This research report, made available specially to GreenerComputing readers by the Info-Tech Research Group, looks at the history of PC power management, offers an overview of the capabilities of the Windows OS and third-party power management software, and presents the possible pitfalls of implementing a power management plan as well as an action plan.
The other resource …read more

Nothing says dirty more than coal-fired electricity and most of us are running our offices from this big source of pollution. Buildings suck up a whopping seventy-six percent of all electricity generated by US power plants. There are plenty of ways to take action, saving your business money and reducing electricity consumption at the office.
Stop feeding the Phantom: Electrical devices can drain energy even when they are on standby. Power down completely whenever possible by using strategically placed power strips. Set it up so all you need do is press one off switch to cut the phantom’s food source. Try …read more

In A window on 2008 at the Baltimore Sun experts predict “the direction of real estate in the coming year, they see greener houses, high-tech comfort and a still-flat market.”
Kind of a mixed bag but it makes sense. Even in a flat market (I would even go so far as to say a down market) greener houses are going to gain an edge.
Why? Energy-efficiency is likely at the top of the priority list. The cost of energy and fuel is less of a sting in small bites, like at the pump. It’s not like we don’t notice that gas …read more

The energy bill signed last month has some special considerations for small businesses that can help you boost your energy-efficiency and bottom line.
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy but until now haven’t had the same opportunities for money saving, energy efficiency projects as big business.
Here’s the scoop (Via GreenBiz):
Under a pilot program included in the energy bill signed into law last month, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer low-cost loans for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that want to improve their energy and fuel use.
The two-year pilot will lower the fees on 7(a) business loans for efficiency …read more

I have a little soft spot for Ireland in general so the news that the Emerald Isle is getting a little greener just gives me the warm fuzzies. Starting in 2009, Ireland will ban traditional light bulbs in effort to promote energy-saving alternatives. The move is part of the country’s first overall “carbon budget”.
The big push is to get rid of incandescent bulbs which the Irish Green Party leader called a “technology invented during the age of the steam engine.”
In the “just one thing” category, Ireland’s light bulb ban is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 700,000 tons per …read more

Last month brought TMC’s first Green Technology World Conference to Los Angeles. The event was aimed at educating attendees about how to create a positive impact on both their businesses and the environment – but is the industry ready?
PCMag reported a disappointing turnout that indicated that “‘greening’ technology remains a low priority.” The biggest challenge to changing that mindset is the cost-effectiveness of adopting green strategies.
Conference keynote speaker Joan Vandermate of Polycom, told PC Magazine:
Everybody will say that it’s a good thing to do, but if there’s any invest required, whether it’s an investment of actual dollars or having to …read more

Vermont, Washington and Oregon were ranked the top three greenest states by Forbes in regard to energy efficiency, low carbon emissions and green building. The magazine looked at each state in six equally weighted categories: carbon footprint, air quality, water quality, hazardous waste management, policy initiatives and energy consumption.
The ranking evolved with information from the American Lung Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PIRG (water), U. S. Green Building Council and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Department of Transportation, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club.
On top: Vermont, Oregon and Washington. All have low carbon dioxide emissions …read more

Each week, one of every three people in America visits a US Wal-Mart store translating into 100 million customers every seven days, and that’s just in the US. Sam Walton’s founding philosophy that selling products cheap in volume equals a money making dynasty is hard to deny.
While the mega store wasn’t founded on sustainable principles, other than sustaining the Walton’s, the corporation responsible for moving over 300 billion dollars worth of merchandise in 2007 continues to announce green initiatives that are standing up to scrutiny.
Most recently, in an unusual display of transparency, Wal-Mart announced an energy and emissions tracking initiative …read more