What Is Green Computing?

The specific meaning of green computing is extensive, and there is currently no accepted definition. However, green computers are generally considered to be computer hosts and related products (including monitors, printers and other peripherals) that conform to the concept of environmental protection. They have power saving, low noise, low pollution, low radiation, recyclable materials and ergonomic characteristics. ^[1]

Individuals across industries worldwide

Since the US Environmental Protection Agency announced the "Energy Star" plan, major computer companies in the world have continuously introduced green computer products, such as the IBM PS / 2 Energy Saver PC, which uses a 3.3-volt 486SLC2 microprocessor and uses 10.4-inch Matrix LCD display, the power consumption is 19W when idle; for example, the Laser jet laser printer of HP company, the power consumption is only 5W when idle; Apple's Macintoch Color Classic PC series products, the power consumption is 25W when idle There are also many companies in Taiwan in China who have recently launched green computer series that meet the requirements of the "Energy Star" program, such as Taiwan Supercom Computer's Super Green-4086 and LightGreen-486 VESA series products. Of these products on their production line

Green computing saves power

The US Environmental Protection Agency's EPA "Energy Star" program was initiated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992. Its main purpose is to encourage manufacturers to manufacture energy-saving personal computer monitors and printers and reduce air pollution caused by power generation. According to incomplete statistics, there are 190 manufacturers participating in the US Energy Star program, with a total of about 70% of the sales of desktop computers and more than 90% of the laser printer market. Each manufacturer has signed an agreement with the EPA, agreeing to launch desktop computers, printers, and monitors that automatically save 50% to 70% of power when used. Qualified products will be identified with the EPAEnergy Star logo.

Summary of contract contents: · Energy Star computer partners promise to develop power-saving personal computers (Green-PC) to save energy and prevent air pollution. The regulations stipulate that under the condition of low power consumption, manufacturers' computer systems or monitors can obtain the EPA Energy Star mark when they use less than 30 watts of electricity. Printers have different specifications based on print speed. Please refer to the table below. Table 1 (490114B1.PCX) The EPA promises to encourage users to purchase products with the Energy Star badge; praise the cooperative companies for their environmental protection services; and cooperate with US federal government agencies to promote their purchase of Energy Star product. After computer accessories (such as chips, add-in cards, storage devices, software, etc.), manufacturers can participate in the Energy Star Accessories and Software Alliance (Ally) program. The main points are the same as those mentioned above.

· Energy Star Application Process: Manufacturers who want to participate in the EPA Energy Star Program must first produce energy saving related products that meet the EPA specifications. After passing the test by themselves or by commission, obtain the Computer / Monitor Agreement from the EPA, and the printer manufacturer from the Printer Agreement. Software, accessories and after-sales device manufacturers request Ally-Agreement. The above documents can be obtained by fax with the company name, address and product profile. After the EPA process, the contract will be sent by mail, signed by the manufacturer, and then sent back to the EPA. After the signature process, along with the contract photocopy and the Energy Star badge information (diskettes, slides, and monochrome photographic negatives), manufacturers will be allowed to make stickers on their own, teaching manufacturers how to apply the badges and printing propaganda.

The main purpose of the VESA Alliance (Video Electronics Standards Association) is to formulate relevant standards for Vedio and Computer Graphics. At present, more than 180 members have applied to join their organization. Since the power consumption of monitors accounts for a very significant proportion in desktop computer systems, it is hoped that reducing the power consumption of monitors will help slow the growth of power demand. If the display's power management technology is to be widely adopted, the interface of the display and its controller must be standardized. At present, the VESA Alliance is responding to this demand and proposes a method to define the display to enter these states. DPMS (Display Power Management Signaling) is a method for the main system and its display to transmit signals. It has four different power management states and stipulates the power consumption of various states.

(The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees), and NUTEK is its norm for power saving on desktop computers, keyboards and monitors. It is required that when the user does not touch the keyboard or mouse within 5 to 60 minutes, the device must automatically enter the suspend or off state. The minimum power consumption is less than 4W. The device must be when the keyboard and mouse are touched, or external messages are transmitted. , It will automatically return to the on state. The restart time should be similar to the general startup time, and any data not stored in use should be automatically stored.

CFC Green calculation bans CFC and trichloroethane

(1) Montreal Protocol

In September 1987, the International Conference on the Protection of the Ozone Layer was held in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Protocol was adopted at the meeting to clarify specific control targets and various measures. Its main purpose was to protect the ozone layer. The protocol was formulated in accordance with the consensus of the Vienna Agreement. More than 11 countries have been recognized, and the CFE of these countries in 1986 was called the consumption, which reached two-thirds of the world's total consumption. Due to compliance with accreditation requirements, the Montreal Protocol entered into force on January 1, 1989. Subsequently, the provisions of the regulatory requirements have been revised and amended by four meetings of the Contracting States. The Danish Maime Copenhagen Amendment is the latest version and is expected to take effect on January 1, 1994.

(2) Labeling regulations

The United States implemented the "Atmospheric Purification Law" on November 15, 1990. The provisions of Section 611 are the "Label Regulations". Its main provisions are: For the ozone-depleting substances controlled by this law, the containers used during transportation and storage, the products or processes containing the substances, and products that have used ozone-depleting substances must be covered by consumers. Interpreted warning signs, otherwise no interstate trading

Green Computing Packaging Waste Recycling

(1) German Green Dot Mark: The German Federal Government promulgated the German Packaging Materials Act on June 12, 1991, the main purpose of which is to reduce packaging waste. The German Packaging Material Act is applicable to the packaging of all goods circulating in the German market. The three basic requirements of the decree are: packaging materials must use environmentally friendly materials, and the materials used in product packaging are environmentally friendly, which is conducive to their reuse or recycling: strictly restrict the volume and weight of product packaging to protect and sell The actual needs of the product: product packaging can be reused. If it cannot be reused, it should be reused or recycled.

The decree divides packaging materials into three categories. The specific requirements for the operators are as follows: · Transport packaging includes outer packaging cartons, cushioning materials, wood, etc. Manufacturers and marketers must accept the packaging materials returned by downstream operators and use the public waste disposal system. Recycling or recycling. Secondary packaging includes promotional display packaging, multiple packaging, and so on. When selling goods to consumers, marketers must reuse or recycle them outside the chemical waste treatment system. The sales package includes color boxes and foam materials containing plastic bags inside the house. Marketers must accept consumer-returned packaging materials and reuse or recycle them outside public waste disposal systems. Operators can set up a recycling system that collects packaging materials from consumers' residences. Manufacturers and marketers participating in this type of return system are not covered by the aforementioned regulations.

(2) DSD company and green dot logo: In order to solve the problem of the collection and sales of package sales, the German retailer, packaging material supplier, and the local government jointly established the DSD company in June 1991. Establish a recycling and sorting system for packaging materials. The operator applies to the DSD company for the use of the green dot logo. After using the packaging materials printed with the green dot logo, the DSD company will be responsible for recycling, sorting, and shipping to the reprocessing factory.

Recycling of green computing e-waste

According to the German Federal Ministry of Environment report, Germany currently produces 100 billion packaging waste and 800,000 tons of information electronics waste every year, and it is expected to increase by 10% in the next ten years. Regarding the mountain of information and electronic waste, the German federal government said that manufacturers and traders of information and electronic products should be responsible for this, and they should be responsible for recycling these obsolete machines (whether by themselves or by a third party) . The German Electronic Information Products Recycling Act is scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 1994. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and energy saving, green computers will be more and more popular. Therefore, all countries in the world attach great importance to the implementation of the "green computer" movement, the formulation, promotion and implementation of relevant specifications for green computers and related products. The tests are very enthusiastic. For example, China s Taiwan has established a Green Computer Promotion Association. In addition to actively promoting the development of green computers, it also promotes and promotes relevant international standards for green computers and establishes inspection and certification agencies. We should also catch up with the times and push the green computer movement to various industries.