Idle Computers Cost Companies $2.8 Billion Annually
With layoffs continuing and unemployment rates hitting record highs, companies have been radically cutting costs since last fall. A new report reveals an unexpected way to cut costs that doesn't involve any firings: Turn off company computers at night. Conducted by 1E (an energy-management software company) and the Alliance to Save Energy, the 2009 PC Energy report estimates that U.S., U.K., and German companies are losing $2.8 billion annually because of idle, plugged-in computers running overnight.
According to the study, over half of the estimated 108 million PCs in U.S. offices are left running after hours. 1E CEO Sumir Karayi told USAToday, "Workers do not feel responsible for electricity bills at work, and some companies insist PCs remain on at night so they can be patched with software updates." Employees surveyed in the report offered many excuses, ranging from forgetfulness and long shut-down times to the need to access the computer remotely. Others simply mentioned company policies that require employees to keep their computers running (software/hardware updates are often carried out after-hours). The cost isn't just a simple dollar amount, either; the study compares the 20 million tons of carbon dioxide predicted to be emitted by these computers in 2009 to the environmental impact of 4 million cars.
If it's not against company policy, we suggest taking the time to shut down your computer before you leave the office. Similarly, you can save on your own home power bills by shutting down your gadgets when you're done for the day; at the very least you won't have to worry about blinking gadget lights keeping you up all through the night. [From: USA Today]
Related Links:
_thumbnail.jpg "Vintage Keyboards")
