Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008 - (Page 72)

Green Space Make IT green STEVEN JOE, D-Link Systems Inc., Fountain Valley, Calif. ngineers may be wondering how they can green their own firms, not just their clients’ buildings. Given that engineers are primarily knowledge workers, the tools of their trade are computers and networks for file-sharing and communications. Information technology (IT) equipment amounts to a lot of toxic materials and energy use, both of which Beyond Energy Star, consider can be actively minimaterials. IT products are made mized and managed from materials that can amount to for a greener facility. toxic waste in landfills. Here are a few simple steps to ensure maximum compliance with today’s green initiatives and maintain a proactive stance with environmental protection. First, ensure that office equipment, to the greatest extent possible, is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star rated. You might be aware of the EPA’s Energy Star Buildings Label, which applies to whole buildings, and may specify Energy Star-rated compact fluorescent lights for your clients. But what about the computer’s central processing unit and monitor, laptops, power supplies, and other peripherals that you use in the office? In addition to the Energy Star logo, check that the software-actuated power management functions are actually set and working. The typical states include idle (where the operating system runs without programs), sleep (nothing is Joe is president and CEO of running until re-start), and standby (the PC is D-Link Systems Inc. Over 20 off, but about 2 W of power remain to resume years, Joe has successfully driven revenue growth and boot). Also, ensure that Wake Event and Wake channel expansion for the On LAN (WOL) features are set and working. North American business unit Wake Events include mouse movement, keyof D-Link Corp. of Taiwan, board activity, buttons pressed, or other activity and spearheads worldwide that causes the PC to wake up from sleep or development of consumer and business products. standby modes. WOL is the network version. E Beyond Energy Star, consider materials. IT products are made from materials that can amount to toxic waste in landfills. Manufacturers are reducing the amount of toxic waste materials and using more recyclable materials. Newly designed recycling programs are managing product lifecycles better—more than just disposal—so seek companies that offer recycling options to their customers to ensure their products are properly recycled or disposed of. Large organizations already include disposal and recycling components in their hardware request for proposals as they attempt to comply with national and international standards mandated by the International Organization of Standards (ISO-9001), andthe Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), and Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool directives (EPEAT). For example, EPEAT, issued by IEEE, helps consumer and organizational purchasing agents identify desktop and laptop computers and monitors that are designed for reduced impact on the environment. EPEAT-registered computers contain lower levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury; are more energy-efficient; and are easier to upgrade and recycle. EPEAT also requires manufacturers to offer safe recycling options for products no longer in use. Look for either the gold, silver, or bronze labels on registered products. RoHS and WEEE enforce hazardous substance reduction in the European Union. The regulations require the replacement of heavy metals and flame retardants in electronic equipment with less toxic materials. Manufacturers also are required to implement programs for gathering and recycling old equipment. 72 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • SEPTEMBER 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008 Contents Viewpoint Letters News M/E�Roundtable Selecting Appropriate Egress Strategies Commissioning On-Site Electrical Systems Mentoring Control Engineers and Technicians Casting Call for Cx Case Study New Products Equipment Lifecycles Advertiser Index Green Space

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008

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