NAME: ITIVEH JESSE OSAMUDIAMEN

MAT. NO.: FPS/CSC/20/ 61430

DEPARTMENT: COMPUTER SCIENCE
FACULTY: PHYSICAL SCIENCES
LEVEL: 400
TOPIC: GREEN COMPUTING
SUPERVISOR: PROF. C. U. ONIANWA

SIGNATURE/DATE: ………………………………………………………………..

Abstract

Global warming is the continuing rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate
system due to a range of factors. Climate change and associated impacts vary from region
to region across the globe. Owing to global warming, various regulations and laws related
to environmental norms forces manufacturers of Information Technology equipment’s to
meet various energy requirements. Green computing refers to the practice and procedures
of using computing resources in an environment friendly way while maintaining overall
computing performance. Green computing is a well-balanced and sustainable approach
towards the achievement of a greener, healthier and safer environment without
compromising technological needs of the current and future generations. This seminar is
a survey of several important literature related to the field of green computing that
emphasises the importance of green computing for sustainable development.

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 SECTION ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Green Computing in Information Technology (IT)

The concept of green computing has begun to spread in the past few years, gaining

increasing popularity. Besides the widespread sensitivity to ecological issues, such

interest also stems from economic needs, since both energy costs and electrical

requirements of IT industry around the world show a continuously growing trend (Jones,

2016). Green computing is the environmentally responsible use of computers and related

resources. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient central

processing units (CPUs), Servers and Peripherals as well as reduced resource

consumption and proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) (Jones, 2016).

In recent years, companies in the computer industry have come to realize that going

green is in their best interest, both in terms of public relations and reduced costs. This

article will take a look at several green initiatives currently under way in the computer

industry, as well as issues that have been raised regarding these initiatives. We will also

have a talk with VIA to learn more about the future of green computing. When we heard

the term green computing the first thought that came into our mind was going green with

computers but the questions that strike our thoughts the very same moment were HOW

and

WHY to go green‖, and in the quest for finding the answers to our questions we landed up

with the conclusion.

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 The Green Computing Initiative, stewards of the industry standards of Eco-Friendly

Green Computing Definition (EFGCD) defines green computing as the study and practice

of the design, development, implementation, utilization and disposal of IT infrastructure

efficiently and effectively with low or zero impact on the environment whilst reducing

operating costs. Green computing is the study and practice of efficient and ecofriendly

computing. The principle behind energy efficient coding is to save power by getting

software to make less use of the hardware, rather than continuing to run the same code on

hardware that uses less power. Wikipedia (2024) define Green computing, green IT

(Information Technology), or ICT sustainability as the study and practice of

environmentally sustainable computing or IT.

Figure 1: Concepts of Green Computing (Gardiner (2017).

Green Computing is crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of the Information

Technology (IT) industry. As the demand for computing power rises, so does energy

consumption and electronic waste. Green Computing addresses this by promoting energy

efficiency, sustainable resource use, and responsible disposal practices (Gaurav and Ravi,

2023). The IT industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint by optimizing data

centers, adopting energy-efficient hardware, and implementing eco-friendly materials.

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According to Gardiner (2017), the goals of green computing include optimizing energy

efficiency during the product's lifecycle; leveraging greener energy sources to power the

product and its network; improving the reusability, maintainability, and repairability of

the product to extend its lifecycle; improving the recyclability or biodegradability of e-

waste to support circular economy ambitions; and aligning the manufacture and use of IT

systems with environmental and social goals (Gardiner, 2017). Green computing is

important for all classes of systems, ranging from handheld systems to large-scale data

centers. Beyond environmental benefits, Green Computing also leads to cost savings,

regulatory compliance, and enhanced corporate social responsibility. It fosters innovation,

making IT companies more competitive by aligning with consumer preferences for eco-

friendly products and services (Chen, Ganapathi and Katz, 2010). As a long-term strategy,

Green Computing ensures the industry’s resilience, contributing to global sustainability

goals and demonstrating a commitment to ethical, responsible business practices in the

face of increasing environmental challenges.

Many corporate IT departments have green computing initiatives to reduce the

environmental effect of their IT operations (Curry, Guyon, Sheridan, and Donnellan,

2012). Yet it is also clear that the environmental footprint of the sector is significant,

estimated at 5-9% of the world's total electricity use and more than 2% of all emissions

(Gardiner, 2017). Data centers and telecommunications networks will need to become

more energy efficient, reuse waste energy, use more renewable energy sources, and use

less water for cooling to stay competitive. Some believe they can and should become

climate neutral by 2030. The carbon emissions associated with manufacturing devices

and network infrastructures is also a key factor.

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Green computing can involve complex trade-offs; It can be useful to distinguish between

IT for environmental sustainability and the environmental sustainability of IT. Although

green IT focuses on the environmental sustainability of IT, in practice these two aspects

are often interconnected. For example, launching an online shopping platform may

increase the carbon footprint of a company's own IT operations, while at the same time

helping customers to purchase products remotely, without requiring them to drive, in turn

reducing greenhouse gas emission related to travel (Merritt, 2022). The company might

be able to take credit for these decarbonisation benefits under its Scope 3 emissions

reporting, which includes emissions from across the entire value chain.

1.2 Strategy of Green Computing

The Green Computing strategy entails implementing practices and technologies that

attempt to reduce the environmental effect of information technology. Key elements of

this strategy include (Gaurav and Ravi, 2023):

a) Energy Efficiency: Prioritize energy-efficient hardware and data center design to

reduce power consumption. This includes optimizing servers, using

energyefficient components, and implementing power management techniques.

b) Renewable Energy Sources: Shifting to renewable energy sources, like solar or

wind power, lessens IT operations’ carbon footprint and fosters sustainability.

Virtualization: Implement server and desktop virtualization to optimize resource

utilization, reducing the need for physical hardware and lowering energy

consumption.

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c) Cloud Computing: Embrace cloud services, which can lead to more efficient

resource allocation, scalability, and shared infrastructure, resulting in reduced

energy consumption.

d) Sustainable Materials: Use environmentally friendly materials in producing IT

hardware, such as recyclable and biodegradable components, to minimize the

environmental impact throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.

e) E-Waste Management: Establish and execute resilient e-waste management

protocols, incorporating recycling initiatives and responsible disposal methods, to

mitigate the environmental repercussions of electronic waste.

f) Employee Awareness and Training: Educate IT professionals about the

importance of green computing and provide training on sustainable practices,

encouraging a culture of environmental responsibility within the organization.

g) Lifecycle Assessment: Conduct lifecycle assessments of IT products and services

to evaluate their environmental impact from production to disposal, allowing for

informed decisions on sustainability.

h) Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about and comply with environmental

regulations related to IT operations, ensuring that the organization meets legal

standards for environmental responsibility.

i) Monitoring and Reporting: Implement systems to monitor and report on energy

consumption, carbon emissions, and other environmental metrics, allowing

organizations to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

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 SECTION TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 History and Origin of Green Computing

In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched Energy Star, a

voluntary labeling program that is designed to promote and recognize the energy

efficiency in monitors, climate control equipment, and other technologies (Merritt, 2022).

This resulted in the widespread adoption of sleep mode among consumer electronics.

Concurrently, the Swedish organization TCO Development launched the TCO Certified

program to promote low magnetic and electrical emissions from CRT-based computer

displays; this program was later expanded to include criteria on energy consumption,

ergonomics, and the use of hazardous materials in construction. The historical trajectory

of green computing charts the progression of initiatives aimed at lessening the

environmental footprint of information technology. Key milestones include: Early

Awareness: Initial concerns about the environmental impact of computing emerge,

primarily focusing on energy consumption and electronic waste. 1992: EPA Energy Star

Program Launch: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the

Energy Star program to promote energy efficiency in computers and other electronic

devices. 2000s: Rise of Energy-Efficient Hardware: Hardware manufacturers begin

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producing energy-efficient components, including processors and power supplies, in

response to growing awareness of energy consumption in data centers. 2005: The Green

Grid Formation: The Green Grid, a consortium of IT companies, is established to promote

energy efficiency in data centers. It develops metrics and best practices for improving

energy efficiency. 2007: Climate

Savers Computing Initiative: Major companies like Google, Intel, and Microsoft

launched the Climate Savers Computing Initiative. It focuses on reducing computer

power consumption and promoting energy-efficient technologies. 2009: Carbon Footprint

Awareness: Companies are increasingly concentrating on quantifying and minimizing

their carbon footprint, considering energy consumption and the environmental

consequences across the entire IT lifecycle. 2011: EPA Data Center Energy Efficiency

Program: The EPA launched the Data Center Energy Efficiency Program, providing

resources and tools for organizations to improve energy efficiency in data centers. 2010s:

Cloud Computing and Virtualization: The adoption of cloud computing and server

virtualization has become more widespread, leading to improved resource utilization and

energy efficiency. 2014: Greenpeace Clicking Clean Report: Greenpeace releases the

Clicking Clean report, evaluating the environmental impact of major internet companies.

This report encourages companies to commit to renewable energy and sustainable

practices. 2020s: Sustainable Goals and Circular Economy: Companies set ambitious

sustainability goals, committing to using 100% renewable energy, achieving carbon

neutrality, and adopting circular economy practices (Alforov eta al., 2018). Ongoing:

Global Initiatives and Regulations: Governments and international organizations continue

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introducing initiatives and regulations to promote green computing and address electronic

waste issues.

SECTION THREE

TECHNOLOGY AND BEST PRACTICES FOR GREEN COMPUTING

3.1 Green Computing Technologies

Green Computing Technologies involve a variety of innovations and practices

specifically crafted to reduce the environmental impact of information technology. These

technologies focus on energy efficiency, resource optimization, and sustainability. Some

key Green Computing Technologies include (Simon, 2012):

a) Virtualization: Server and desktop virtualization enables consolidating multiple

computing tasks onto a single physical server or machine. This reduces the need

for numerous servers, leading to lower energy consumption and increased

efficiency.

b) Cloud Computing: Cloud services offer immediate access to computing

resources, enabling organizations to scale their capacity up or down according to

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 their requirements (Simon, 2012). Cloud infrastructure is often designed for

efficiency, and providers can optimize data center operations to reduce energy

usage.

c) Energy-Efficient Hardware: Manufacturers produce energy-efficient hardware

components, including processors, storage devices, and networking equipment.

These components are designed to perform tasks using less power, contributing to

overall energy savings.

d) Low-Power Processors: Processors designed with low power consumption in

mind are integral to energy-efficient computing. These processors are commonly

used in devices like laptops and servers to reduce energy usage and heat

generation.

e) Green Data Centers: Data centers are critical to IT infrastructure, and green data

center designs focus on minimizing energy consumption through efficient cooling

systems, better server utilization, and using renewable energy sources.

f) Energy-Efficient Networking: Networking technologies, such as EnergyEfficient

Ethernet (EEE), optimize power usage during periods of low network activity,

reducing energy consumption in networking equipment.

g) IoT for Energy Management: Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors can

be employed to monitor and manage energy usage in buildings and data centers.

This allows for real-time adjustments to optimize energy efficiency.

h) Smart Grid Technologies: For organizations with significant energy needs,

intelligent grid technologies enable better power distribution and consumption

management, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.

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 i) Green Software: Developing and using software optimized for energy efficiency

is crucial to Green Computing. This includes writing code that minimizes resource

consumption and adopting efficient programming practices.

j) Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such

as solar or wind power, into IT infrastructure is a key strategy for reducing the

carbon footprint of computing operations (Simon, 2012).

3.2 Best Practices for Green Computing

Optimal strategies for green computing entail a comprehensive approach to mitigating

the environmental impact of information technology. These practices are geared toward

improving energy efficiency, curbing resource consumption, and fostering sustainability

across the entire IT lifecycle. Here are key best practices for green computing

(Gaurav and Ravi, 2023):

1. Energy-Efficient Data Center Design

i. Cooling Systems: Implement advanced cooling technologies, such as

liquid cooling and airflow optimization, to enhance energy efficiency and

reduce the overall cooling load.

ii. Server Consolidation: Consolidate servers through virtualization to

improve resource utilization, reduce the number of physical servers, and

lower energy consumption.

2. Sustainable Software Development

i. Code Optimization: Optimize code for performance, minimizing

unnecessary computations and enhancing energy efficiency during

software execution.

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 ii. Efficient Programming Practices: Adopt programming practices

prioritizing efficient resource use, such as minimizing memory leaks and

optimizing algorithms for reduced energy consumption (Kurp, 2011).

3. Employee Awareness and Training

i. Promoting Green Computing Practices: Promote environmentally

conscious habits among employees, such as powering off devices when

not in use and utilizing energy-saving features.

ii. Training Programs for IT Professionals: Provide specialized training

programs for IT professionals, focusing on green computing principles,

emerging technologies, and sustainable practices in IT operations.

SECTION FOUR

CHALLENGES, EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

4.1 Green computing challenges

Despite the numerous benefits of green computing, organizations face challenges in

adopting and implementing sustainable practices in the IT industry. Some of the key

challenges include (Gaurav and Ravi, 2023):

a) Initial Cost: The upfront cost of implementing green computing technologies and

practices can be a significant barrier for organizations. Energy-efficient hardware,

renewable energy sources, and other sustainable technologies may require a

substantial initial investment.

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b) Legacy Systems: Many organizations operate on legacy systems that may need to

adapt to newer, more energy-efficient technologies. Upgrading or replacing these

systems can be complex and costly.

c) Lack of Standardization: The absence of standardized green computing

practices and metrics makes it challenging for organizations to compare and

evaluate the environmental impact of different technologies and practices. A lack

of common standards can hinder widespread adoption.

d) Data Security Concerns: Some green computing practices, such as server

virtualization and cloud computing, raise concerns about data security.

Organizations may be hesitant to migrate sensitive data to shared environments,

impacting the adoption of these technologies.

e) Limited Awareness: Lack of awareness and understanding of green computing

principles and their benefits can hinder adoption. Organizations and individuals

may need to be fully informed about the environmental impact of IT operations

and the available solutions.

f) Resistance to Change: Resistance to change within organizational culture can

impede the adoption of green computing practices. Employees and management

may resist new technologies or workflows that disrupt established routines.

g) Interoperability Issues: Ensuring seamless integration and interoperability

between green computing technologies and existing IT infrastructure can be

challenging. Compatibility issues may arise when trying to combine new and

legacy systems.

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 h) E-Waste Management: The responsible disposal of electronic waste (e-waste)

poses a challenge. Many organizations need help with proper e-waste

management practices, including recycling and safe disposal, leading to

environmental hazards.

i) Limited Incentives: In some cases, organizations may lack regulatory or financial

incentives to adopt green computing practices. Without tangible benefits or

penalties, businesses may be less motivated to invest in sustainability.

j) Complex Supply Chains: The complexity of global supply chains for IT

hardware can make it difficult for organizations to trace the environmental impact

of the materials used in their products. Ensuring a sustainable supply chain is a

multifaceted challenge.

4.2 Emerging Technologies and Future Trends

4.2.1 Emerging Technologies for a Greener IT Industry

a) Edge Computing: As opposed to relying on centralized cloud servers, Edge

computing involves processing data closer to the source. This eliminates the need

for massive data transmission, decreasing energy usage and enhancing IT

operations efficiency.

b) Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices and sensors make real-time monitoring and

control of many systems possible. In the context of green computing, IoT

facilitates better energy management, optimization of resource utilization, and the

development of smart, energy-efficient solutions.

c) 5G Technology: Fifth-generation 5G wireless technology provides more

incredible data transmission speeds and lower latency. This advancement supports

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 the development of smart cities, connected devices, and efficient communication,

contributing to overall energy efficiency in IT systems.

d) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning

technologies optimize energy consumption and resource allocation in IT systems.

These technologies can analyze patterns, predict usage, and dynamically adjust

operations for maximum efficiency.

4.2.2 Future Trends

a) Circular Economy Practices: The IT industry is moving towards a circular

economy approach, emphasizing the design of IT products for reuse, recycling,

and minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. This trend aims to

reduce electronic waste and promote sustainable product life cycles.

b) Regulatory Frameworks: Increasing attention from governments and regulatory

bodies on environmental impact and sustainability in IT operations. The

development and enforcement of regulatory frameworks are expected to drive

greater accountability and adherence to environmental standards across the IT

industry.

c) Consumer and Employee Advocacy: Growing awareness and advocacy from

consumers and employees for environmentally responsible products and practices.

This trend influences industry norms as businesses respond to sustainable

technologies and practices.

d) Incentives and Recognition: Governments and industry bodies should implement

more incentives and recognition programs to encourage organizations to adopt and

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 showcase sustainable computing practices. This trend motivates businesses to

invest in green computing and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

e) Global Collaboration: Collaborative efforts between governments, organizations,

and international bodies to address global environmental challenges related to IT

operations. This trend involves sharing resources, best practices, and a collective

approach to addressing environmental concerns in the IT industry.

SECTION FIVE

CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusion

The evolution of green computing represents a critical stride toward a sustainable and

environmentally conscious IT industry. With emerging technologies such as edge

computing, IoT, 5G, and AI leading the way, organizations are poised to enhance energy

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efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Future trends, including circular economy

practices, regulatory frameworks, and global collaboration, signify a growing

commitment to responsible computing. As businesses respond to consumer and employee

advocacy and governments incentivize sustainable practices, the trajectory is set for a

greener, more ecofriendly future in information technology. The fusion of innovation and

environmental stewardship paves the way for a resilient and conscientious IT landscape.

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