Eco Computing – Public Sector Perspective

Charles MokInternet Society Hong Kong

2008.05.09

First, IT is Green

UK Dept for Communities and Local Government: 'An e-Government Truth: Potential CO2 efficiencies from online provision of local government services' (2008.01.17) The project examines the carbon footprint of five

services provided by local government, based on data provided by a Sunderland City Council case study, and assesses whether this carbon footprint can be reduced by greater online provision of these services.

IT Can Reduce Carbon Footprint

Studies include an estimated hourly CO2 impact of the energy and materials required to support a member of office staff: Electricity, heating Stationery, office equipment Commuting, etc.

Aspects where CO2 emissions can be reduced by a shift to online provision: Paper use Travel to council offices by users Electricity use

IT Can Reduce Carbon Footprint

Towards Greener IT

But there is no carbon footprint measurement in Hong Kong government

Lack of awareness and support But it is important to measure in order to

build commitment and quantifiable goals

Yet, how to make IT even Greener?

IT is Green But Not Enough: What Then Is 'Green IT'?

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• IT in Use• Electricity• Heat

• Cooling• More

Electricity• More Heat• …

• Reduce Energy Consumption

• IT after Use• Heavy Metal• Carcinogen• Pollution

• Source of Precious Metal

• Recycling

• Reduce Use of Toxic Substances

• Recycling

Green IT Survey Green IT is a growing, global phenomenon, with

customers seeking out IT suppliers whose offerings are more energy-efficient, more material-efficient, less hazardous, designed for greater recyclability, and supported by end-of-life recycling programs.

According to IDC's Green IT Survey: Over 50% of customers consider IT vendors'

"greenness" when selecting a supplier. One-third of customers already consider it "important" to

"very important" that IT suppliers have green offerings. Almost 80% of executives say that Green IT is growing

in importance for their organization. The #1 driver for Green IT adoption is economic - to

reduce operational costs.

How to Contribute for Green IT?

Corporate/Personal Effort Choice of Products/Services Best Practices

Energy Saving Recycling

Government Effort Administrative Measures Legislation

When In Use vs. After Use

Are You Ready?

Computerworld's Green IT Quiz Have top executives (e.g., the CEO) made an

explicit, vigorous commitment to energy efficiency?

Does your organization have purchasing practices that favor energy-efficient products?

Does your organization have a program to recycle unused/discarded high-tech equipment (e.g., old PCs and monitors)?

Does your organization explictly encourage telecommuting and provide the necessary equipment & support?

Are You Ready?

Has your organization installed energy-efficient HVAC and building automation controls in the past 12 months?

Has your organization reduced IT equipment energy consumption by at least 5% in the past 12 months?

Has your organization improved IT equipment energy efficiency by at least 5% in the past 12 months?

Has your organization implemented server virtualization to reduce the number of servers needed?

Has your organization revised its data center layout (or design) to reduce power demand?

Does your organization use alternative energy supplies (e.g. solar, wind) to provide power to IT facilities or systems??

Green IT: In Use Electricity Consumption of a PC

around 200 W Electricity can end up costing more than the

hardware, over overloading supply What’s the math?

Working Hours per Year 45 hrs x 52 weeks = 2340 hrs

Carbon Emissions of Power Plant in HK 0.84 kg CO2/kWh

CO2 Emission for a Single Office PC per Year 0.2 x 2340 x 0.84 = 393.12 kg

10 Tree Seedlings grown for 10 Years

Green IT: In Use

The Solution

Virtualization Consolidation of Machines

Power Management Power Saving Functions Power Saving Practices

Energy Efficient Products• Government Effort: Energy Label

Green IT: In Use

Energy Labels

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(adopted by US, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, the EU)

Energy Star EU Energy Label

Hong Kong Energy Label

Green IT: In Use

Hong Kong Energy Label Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (EELS)

Since 1995, as a Voluntary Scheme

Administered by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD)

Covers 18 Products

Market Penetration vary from 0% to 82%

Saves 200 GWh electricity pa.

Green IT: In Use

Selected Products and their Penetration Rates Under Voluntary EELS

Market Penetration

Room Coolers 82%

Refrigerators 65%

Compact Fluorescent Lamps 14%

Multifunction Devices 50%

Photocopiers 20%

Laser Printers 15%

Television Sets < 15%

Petrol Passenger Cars < 5%

LCD Monitors < 5%

Electronic Ballasts < 5%

Fax Machines < 5%

Computers 0%

Green IT: In Use

Mandatory EELS

Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance

Passed by LegCo on April 30, 2008

Covers: Air Conditioners Refrigerating Appliances Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Green IT: In Use

Mandatory EELS Covers White Appliances

Inline with other Jurisdictions Estimated Environmental Implications

Saves 150 GWh electricity pa. Reduces 105,000 tonnes CO2 pa.

However : IT products NOT covered Should introduce second phase of the Scheme

Climate Savers Computing Initiative

Climate Savers Computing Initiative member companies commit to purchasing energy-efficient PCs and servers for new IT purchases, and to broadly deploying power management. By publicly declaring their support for this important effort, companies demonstrate their commitment to the “greening” of IT and join other industry-leading companies and organizations blazing new trails in corporate social responsibility and sustainable IT.

Mission: Possible By 2010, we seek to reduce global CO2 emissions from the

operation of computers by 54 million tons per year1, equivalent to the annual output of 11 million cars or 10–20 coal-fired power plants. With your help, this effort will lead to a 50% reduction in power consumption by computers by 2010, and committed participants could collectively save $5.5 billion in energy costs.

Green IT: After Use

What’s in a computer? Toxin

Lead Mercury Cadmium

Carcinogen Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

In US, e-Waste = 2% Total Trash 70% Toxic Waste

Green IT: After Use

The Solution Toxic Free Components Recycling Computers and Electronic Products

• Government Effort: Producer Responsibility Scheme

European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE

Directive)

California Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 (EWRA) Covers : CRT, LCD, Plasma Display… Restrict Material Contents

Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, Lead, Mercury Collection of Electronic Waste Recycling Fee

Green IT: After Use

Hong Kong Voluntary PRS

Mobile Phone Rechargeable Batteries Other Rechargeable Batteries

Voluntary Computer Recycling Programme

Green IT: After Use

Hong Kong: Legislation Policy Target: PRS for 6 types of products

Vehicle tires; Plastic shopping bags; Electrical and electronic equipment; Packaging materials; Beverage containers; and Rechargeable batteries.

Product Eco-responsibility Bill

1st Stage -- Only covers Plastic Bags The way to go -- Covers IT Products?

Thank You!

Charles MokChairman Internet Society Hong Kong

mok@hknet.comhttp://charlesmok.blogspot.comhttp://www.it360.hkhttp://www.isoc.hk