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Energy-efficient design is emerging as a key factor for consumers when purchasing computers.
iStockphoto.com/SilvrshootrWhile speed and performance remain critical for many buyers, a rising number of consumers are prioritizing energy efficiency in their computer choices. Fortunately, there are resources to help navigate these options.
The EPA's Energy Star program has established green computing standards, and computers meeting these criteria earn the Energy Star label. To qualify, systems must feature energy-efficient power supplies, operate effectively in power-saving modes (standby/off, sleep, and idle), and include power management tools with user guidance. If all U.S. computers met Energy Star standards, greenhouse gas emissions could drop by the equivalent of 2 million cars, saving roughly $2 billion in energy costs annually [source: Energy Star].
Beyond Energy Star, the EPEAT (Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool), managed by the Green Electronics Council, evaluates computers against over 50 eco-friendly criteria. These include materials used in production and packaging, energy conservation, and end-of-life recycling. The system uses a three-tier rating—gold, silver, and bronze—and all EPEAT-rated computers also comply with Energy Star standards.
If you're not ready to buy a new computer, optimizing your current system's power settings—like enabling sleep mode or turning it off and unplugging it—can help save energy. When you do upgrade, consider choosing an eco-friendly option. Also, make sure to recycle your old system responsibly.
5: Dell Studio Hybrid
The Dell Studio Hybrid is 80 percent more compact than a standard desktop.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.comDell touts the Studio Hybrid as its most environmentally friendly consumer desktop, earning accolades from both Energy Star and EPEAT. With an 87-percent-efficient power supply that meets Energy Star 4.0 standards, the system also achieves EPEAT's top gold rating.
The Studio Hybrid is 80 percent smaller than conventional desktops and consumes roughly 70 percent less energy. Its packaging is 95 percent recyclable, and it includes 75 percent less printed documentation by weight, as all materials are available online [source: Dell].
For an extra fee, you can customize it with a bamboo sleeve. Additionally, when it's time for an upgrade, the Studio Hybrid includes a dedicated recycling kit for easy disposal.
4: Dell OptiPlex
The Dell OptiPlex meets Energy Star 4.0 standards.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.comDell's OptiPlex series is ideal for professionals seeking a versatile and energy-efficient desktop. It complies with Energy Star 4.0 and boasts an EPEAT gold rating, making it a top choice for eco-conscious users.
Dell isn't just focusing on green computers—it's also a leader in sustainability. The EPA ranks Dell among the top five in its Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge [source: EPA]. By 2010, Dell aims to cut desktop and laptop energy use by up to 25 percent using Energy Smart technologies, such as energy-efficient hardware and software. Since 2005, the OptiPlex's energy efficiency has increased by approximately 50 percent [source: Business Wire].
3: Lenovo ThinkCentre M58 / M58p
Similar to other eco-friendly desktops, the ThinkCentre models meet Energy Star 4.0 standards and have achieved the EPEAT gold rating.
The ThinkCentre stands out for its green features. By utilizing its power-management tools, energy use can drop by 69 percent [source: Lenovo]. Lenovo estimates this results in a $40 annual reduction in electricity costs. Beyond cost savings, the ThinkCentre helps cut CO2 emissions by 575 pounds (261 kilograms) per desktop yearly, equivalent to saving 185 gallons (703 liters) of gasoline [source: Lenovo].
2: Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro
The Apple MacBook Pro complies with Energy Star 5.0 standards.
Tim Graham/Getty ImagesIf you're looking for a compact, stylish, and eco-friendly option, consider Apple's 17-inch MacBook Pro. This laptop meets Energy Star 5.0 standards and holds a gold EPEAT rating. It excels in minimizing environmental harm, crafted from recyclable glass and aluminum, free of mercury, arsenic, PVC, and brominated flame retardants, and uses 35 percent less packaging than previous models.
Apple estimates the 17-inch MacBook generates approximately 1,499 pounds (680 kilograms) of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalence, measuring CO2 emissions over its lifecycle) from production and transport to usage and recycling [source: Apple].
Need something bigger than a laptop? Apple's iMac, an all-in-one desktop, also carries the Energy Star label and EPEAT gold rating. When upgrading, take advantage of Apple's recycling and product take-back initiatives.
1: Toshiba Portege R600
The Toshiba Portégé laptop series meets Energy Star 4.0 standards and has earned EPEAT's gold rating, ranking first in the gold category. Greenpeace also recognized the Portégé R600 as the greenest laptop in 2009 during its "Green Electronics: The Search Continues" survey.
Toshiba evaluates its products using Factor T, a proprietary formula designed to measure a computer's consumer value relative to its environmental impact throughout its lifespan. Higher consumer value and lower environmental impact result in greater energy efficiency.
Toshiba aims to double its environmental efficiency by 2010. The company incorporates low-power consumption technology in its components and requires suppliers to complete a 22-point environmental performance survey before partnership.
