Software Reduces Computer-related CO2 Emissions

Businesses, libraries can replace up to ten PCs with one

press release from Userful

Userful's innovative software offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional computers by turning one computer into ten fully independent workstations. Modern desktop computers sit idle ninety-eight percent of the day while users read or type. Userful's Desktop Multiplier software lets users share a single computer by installing extra dual-headed video cards. This leverages unused computing power to create an environmentally-efficient alternative to traditional desktop computing. This software eliminates nine out of every ten computers by replacing up to ten computer boxes with a single shared computer box. On a ten-user system this software can reduce total CO2 emissions by as much as thirty-three tons over a three-year lifespan. (See "NOTES" below for calculations).

Currently, less than three percent of the world's population owns a computer, yet computer hardware production and disposal is one of the fastest growing threats to our environment. It is quite remarkable that something as intangible as software could reduce the environmental impact of computing by close to ninety percent.

In addition to the obvious power and air conditioning savings, Userful's software also reduces the environmental impact of computer hardware disposal. Computers have become one of the largest single contributors to electronic waste, globally. The disposal of computer components that contain lead, mercury, cadmium and a number of other persistent, toxic and bio-accumulative compounds present a growing threat to our water and air quality. By turning one computer into ten, but allowing users to reuse existing monitors and in some cases simply add video cards to the existing boxes, Desktop Multiplier software reduces the environmental impact of hardware disposal.

For more information about Userful's software , visit the on-line newsroom at www.userful.com/press .

NOTES

Excluding the monitor, a computer uses about: 110 Watts during active periods, 60 Watts when idle (no power management) and 35 Watts in sleep mode. For library public access computer systems that Userful typically replaces this would correspond to 60 Watts for ten hours and 35 Watts for the 14 remaining hours (assuming the computer is left on overnight). So 1.09 kilowatt hours per day for six days and 35 Watts all day Sunday. This gives 7.38kWh per week and 384kWh per year. If the Userful system replaces ten PCs the saving is slightly less than nine PCs (since the 1-Box has an extra four video cards) so the gain is about 8.5PCs or 3,261 kWh. For electricity generated at 1.45 lbs of CO2 per kWh, the savings are 2.11 tons of CO2 per year. In a building that uses air conditioning, the environmental savings would be significantly higher.

This two-tons-per-year calculation ignores the cost of producing the hardware. Allowing for that increases the savings potential considerably, given that the life cycle energy use of a computer represents only 19% of its energy use (production represents the remaining 81%). The total production and operations savings over a three year life span of a ten-station Userful computer would be 33 tons.

Userful is a registered trademark in Canada. Desktop Multiplier software is a trademark in Canada, the United States and other countries. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Userful Contact Information: Pia Lo, Marketing & PR, Userful, 866-USERFUL (873-7385) Ext. 223.

References:

• pubs.acs.org
• www.undp.org