Archive for the ‘Green Computing’ Category
What’s “Going Green” Got to Do with It?
Thursday, March 28th, 2013
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Energy Saving Bulbs: Compact fluorescent bulbs are like the poster children of the going green movement. Ironically, these bulbs are potentially tonic due to mercury, a hazardous material, contained within them. So, remember to recycle your bulbs. Do not throw them out with regular garbage.
Is going green the smart thing to do or the chic thing to do? I guess it depends on who you ask. On one hand, opponents of going green say it’s more style than substance. To support their point, challengers point to the toxicity of the compact fluorescent bulbs—you know the “poster child” for the green moment. Other naysayers assert going green is too expensive for businesses and could cost American jobs. In contrast, supporters say going green is less about being in fashion and more about saving the planet from what they see as eminent doom in the form of global warming. Green advocates proclaim that going green means a lower carbon footprint, more jobs, greater energy independence, and a stronger economy. Regardless of the political sparring around the pros and cons of going green, the trend is people are more conscious of environmental issues and are more open to conservation and recycling. For many, conservation and recycling just seem to make sense.
What happens when you go green?
1. Reversing global warming: According to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the vast majority of scientists around the world believe global warming is a fact. Global warming can lead to extreme weather conditions including severe and prolonged droughts, violent hurricanes, extreme heat waves, and super snowstorms. Additionally, going green may reduce the effects of climate change that many scientists believe to be caused by human consumption. Total disaster claims in the U.S.A. alone in 2011 from extreme weather events were $55 billion. Experts say that extreme climatic events have surprising effects including the potential for insurance companies revoking coverage in areas being hit hardest by weather disasters. Global warming could even increase the occurrence of diseases and infections.
2. Lower cost of food: A warmer globe could mean less food and higher prices. The EDF highlights the $5.2 billion in agricultural losses due to a recent drought in Texas, which led to higher food costs in America. Globally, food costs have gone up 79 percent over the past 5 years according to EDF. Going green could help reduce the negative impact of global warming. Additionally, we could feed 10 billion people simply recovering 20 percent of food waste.
3. More jobs, better paying jobs, and lower energy costs in the long term: According to The Nation, green energy may be the “best” roadmap for economic growth in the U.S.A. Smart investments in green energy development would mean new jobs with salaries that may build a stronger middle-class. In addition, so-called “renewable energies” could lead to lower “energy bills for Americans, cheaper transportation, and price stability.” Additionally, cost savings from less energy consumption due to more efficient alliances and smart grids would offset any short-term rise in energy costs.
Questioning the Going Green Movement
In addition to the potential for more efficient energy production and distribution, energy independence, stabilized food costs, and the reduction of severe weather, going green just seems to be a sensible thing to do. If people generally believe saving money and reducing waste are great in terms of finance, why are saving resources (e.g., food, energy, materials) and reducing waste such difficult concepts to grasp for some? Going green is supposed to be all about saving energy and resources as well as reducing our waste. According to Sustainable America, the U.S.A. has only 5 percent of the world’s population, yet the country accounts for 24 percent of global consumption. On the surface, that doesn’t seem to be a sustainable model or even remotely sensible. Still, I suspect our nation cannot ignore that there may be significant upfront costs to consumers, businesses, and government when transitioning to a “greener” way of doing things. So, (1) what do you think about going green? (2) Is going green really about saving resources? (3) Or is it more about saving face in a world full of people who are becoming more and more influenced by eco-activist journalists or environmentalists? If you think going green is a flawed concept, (4) do you think global warming is the real deal or simply a faux?
Tags: , Environmental Defense Fund, EPA, Going green, green, Ola Sage, Sustainable America
Posted in Economy, Energy, Entertainment, Green Computing, Lifestyle | 32 Comments »
Maybe It’s Time We Do an “Energetic” Reality Check
Monday, January 9th, 2012
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
The Department of Energy through research and development at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is working to improve renewable energy technologies such as wind power that could lead to energy independence for the USA and job creation.
Pretty much everyone knows what the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) do. But how many of us really understand the role of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)? Recently, one prominent political figure talked about abolishing the Department. What’s interesting is the lack of protest from voters regarding the prospect of a country without DOE. Why am I so emphatic about the Department? Well, because the agency is here “to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.” In other words, DOE is responsible for energy policy including clean energy innovation, energy conservation, nuclear weapons program management, radioactive waste disposal, and so much more. Did you know that DOE developed the nuclear space power systems which powered NASA’s mission? But wait, there’s more…
Are you sick of the increasingly higher cost of fuel?
Well, I am and guess what? DOE is actually helping to make high energy cost a thing of the past. Did you know that DOE oversees the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)—the only national lab for the advancement of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Renewable energy is clean and unlike other forms of conventional power, it never runs out. Renewable energy is great for the economy because it creates jobs and reduces our national dependencies on international sources of energy such as oil. Simply put, the work at NREL leads to commercial applications that may mean more sustainable, green energy that could save all of us money
Are you comfortable with radioactive waste being dumped in your backyard?
Probably not. It’s a good thing we have DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) to keep us safe by cleaning up “the environmental legacy of the Manhattan Project and the Cold War.” Since the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Stimulus Bill or ARRA) by Congress, there has been a rigorous debate on whether the Stimulus worked. Well not only is EM’s disposal of radioactive materials vital to our safety, the program office has been highly successful in the implementation of Stimulus projects. According to EM, the program office advanced its “mission to clean up the waste generated during the Cold War, by reducing that footprint by 613 square miles.” Plus, EM ARRA-funded projects put thousands of Americans back to work while giving them new skills that may be leveraged in the future. Did I mention EM completed its ARRA-funded projects ahead of schedule and way under budget!?
Extending a helping hand to low income families.
Last week, DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program announced how the Department is helping families save energy and money. Through this program, DOE has supported the weatherization of more than 750,000 homes of low-income families across the country. According to an article by April Saylor, online content producer, DOE Office of Public Affairs, the program reduced energy consumption up to 35% resulting in an average savings of $400 during the first year.
High-Powered Awareness Check.
DOE’s mission may be murky to some. But from where I stand, the Department’s activities are commendable and relevant. But this blog posting isn’t all about me; what do you think? Should DOE stay or go? How important is energy independence to the future of the USA’s economy? What are you doing to conserve energy?
Tags: clean energy, Dennis Powell, Department of Energy, DOE, , energy efficiency, EPA, IRS, NASA, NREL, Office of Environmental Management, Ola Sage, renewable, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Posted in Corporate, Dining, Economy, Energy, Entertainment, Events, Family, Gadgets, Government, Green Computing, Healthcare, Information Security, Internet/Intranet, IT Infrastructure, IT Strategy & Management, Leadership, Lifestyle, Risk Management, Social Media, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Uncategorized | 18 Comments »
What is the Future of Computing?
Friday, February 11th, 2011
By Rick Gordon, e-Management
Currently our daily lives are dominated by computers. We have seen the rise of the main frame, the personal computer (PC), the laptop, and now mobile computing. Ones and zeros are at the source of all these technologies. In a very short span of time, we have seen computing power grow exponentially.
Will tablet computers replace desktops and laptops? Or does the future of computing have something bigger in store for us?
In 1965, Intel Co-founder Gordon E. Moore suggested that the number of transistors on a chip would double every two years. He estimated that the trend would continue for at least ten years. Forty-six years later that continuing trend is known as Moore’s law. Many see an end to that trend and fear that digital computing is reaching a functional limitation. Intel estimates that the limitations of atomic structures and power density will most likely be reached by 2020. To breach that functional limitation will require radical innovation, a different way to look at computing then just ones and zeros. I see that future as a quantum one.
Let Me Introduce You to Qubit
The bit is the basic unit of information in a digital computer. It is either a one or a zero, and all the digital logic involved in modern computing is ultimately stored as bits. On the other hand, the qubit (quantum bit) is based on the superposition of quantum states. What this means is that it can represent one and zero at the same time. This ability to store additional information at an atomic level means that the qubit can potentially increase computing power exponentially over common digital computers.
Calculations that today take days to perform could be completed in minutes with a quantum computer! Qubits can potentially communicate with each other through a faster-than-the-speed-of-light quantum principle known as quantum entanglement.
How is that possible? Well, the only thing I can say is that one does not have to understand it; one only has to know that it works and has been demonstrated. According to experts including D. Bacon and D. Leung, mathematics of quantum information systems have produced some revolutionary results including Lov Grover’s quantum search algorithm and Sean Hallgren’s algorithm for solving Pell’s equation.
Wait, It’s Not All Complicated Theory or Algorithms
Actual quantum computers have been built to manipulate up to twelve qubits. Bacon and Leung offer the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance ) quantum computer as an example.
Quantum Computers Are the Future!
All of the solutions for quantum computers utilize superconductors that require high levels of cooling to function as needed. Cooling also increases the processing power of digital computers so it is not hard to imagine that in ten years significant advances in that area will assist with the development of quantum computers.
The Great Race
Currently, the U.S.A. and other nations throughout the world are spending billions of dollars to develop quantum computers. The race is driven by the potential for cracking current methods of cryptography and for developing new cryptographic devices. These are the same forces that gave birth to the earliest modern computers.
Another contender for the next generation of computing is analog computing, which observes variations in current level to achieve similar results as quantum computing only it lacks the ability for true randomness, and the potential speed possible through the magic of quantum entanglement. There are currently analog solutions in place. While they will certainly have their day, I do believe that analog solutions will function as an intermediate step to quantum computing. Quantum computers will not only break the physical limitation barrier of digital computers, but will give us the computing power to solve the mysteries of universe, and support other quantum technology such as teleportation, nano-biotechnology, and nano–manufacturing. I am confident that the 21 century will come to be known in history as the quantum age.
What’s Your Take?
I have given my take on what the future of computing holds. Now, it is your time to sound off. What will be the next big thing in computing? Do you think tablet computers (e.g., Apple’s iPad, BlackBerry’s PlayBook, HP’s TouchPad) will replace desktops and laptops?
Tags: computing, , iPad, laptop, nuclear magnetic resonance, pc, Playbook, quantum computer, qubit, Rick Gordon, tablets, TouchPad
Posted in Entertainment, Gadgets, Government, Green Computing, Internet/Intranet, Uncategorized | 13 Comments »
Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
Grant Sewell, e-Management
Going green is more than turning off lights. It helps to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which in the long run can save you and your organization the other green (money).
“Going Green” is an important part of business for any technology operation these days. Recently, we have implemented a number of strategies in my office to help answer questions. But the truth is, many people only know the buzzword, and not the concepts that define it. In our 2009 blog, “Is Green the New Black?” we gave an overview of benefits of green operations for businesses, as well as a number of resources to find out more information. In this thread, I’m going to focus on what green means to information technology (IT), the important areas on which to concentrate, and some of the strategies that will yield the highest return on investment (ROI).
Green IT is More than Turning Off Lights
Many people look at implementing green policies as actions, like turning off lights when leaving an office, or enabling power saving features on a computer. In fact, that’s just one part of a larger process. Environmentally sustainable computing methods are joined in a lifecycle:
Design: Simple designs, non-proprietary parts, and efficiency certifications such as TCO ensure that products can be used and maintained more productively in the workplace.
Manufacturing: Technology that is built with recycled or less hazardous materials yield a more environmentally-friendly product. Studies estimate that manufacturing accounts for 70 percent of the natural resources utilized in the lifetime of a computer.
Usage: Configuring computer systems, printers and other peripherals for optimal efficiency during operation can save a company more than 25% in power expenses alone.
Disposal: Appropriately recycling or disposing of equipment at end of life ensures that the overall ecological footprint is reduced, such as landfill reduction and equipment re-use and re-purposing.
If you’re just getting started, you are probably not just going to throw away perfectly good, working equipment to buy something new and shiny – and that’s okay. A lot of the initial changes will be made in the “Usage” and “Disposal” phases, but too many organizations overlook the impact they have when selecting what to purchase.
Fact vs. Fiction
The concept of Green IT began in 1992 when the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy launched Energy Star, a program designed to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As technology has advanced, companies are realizing they can do just as much (or more) with less. Let’s debunk some popular myths:
Green hardware isn’t powerful enough: Using less power doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice performance. Using technologies like solid-state drives (SSD) and high efficiency power supplies will reduce power consumption and increase performance.
It won’t make a difference: Technology represents 4 percent of the overall power consumption in the United States. Implementing green procedures can save you money, reduce management requirements and promotes a responsible image of your organization.
It’s more expensive: Okay, this one may be true – kind of. Many green technologies will burn a hole in your pocket (initially), but don’t rule them out before you see how they will benefit your budget and decrease in costs over the long run.
It’s too much work: The changes don’t have to be dramatic to make a difference. In Part II, I’ll highlight options that won’t take much manpower.
Your Thoughts?
Please be sure to stop by next week for the final installment (Part II) of this Green IT blog series, when I will discuss how you can get big results, with little effort.
In the meantime, we want to hear from you. What has your organization done to “Go Green?” Do you have other strategies to share? What actions were the most beneficial? How critical do you think “Green IT” will be in the next 5 years?
Tags: carbon emissions, carbon footprint, DOE, , Energy, ENERGY STAR, EPA, Going green, Grant Sewell, SSD, sustainability, TCO
Posted in Corporate, Energy, Government, Green Computing, IT Infrastructure, IT Strategy & Management, Uncategorized | 10 Comments »
What’s So ‘Smart’ about the Smart Grid Anyway?
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Satellite image shows the Northeast Blackout of 2003, which affected more than 55 million people in the USA and Canada. Will smart grid tech make blackouts a thing of the past?
by Dennis Powell, e-Management
By most accounts, the smart grid will be the best thing since Seinfeld ruled Thursday nights back in the 1990s. Okay, maybe not that good. But really, what’s so “smart” about that grid anyway? Well, it’s a modernized electricity delivery system, which uses two-way digital technology that can monitor, track, and control energy used by appliances and devices. The smart grid promises to save businesses, governments, and consumers money; reduce energy consumption; and be less susceptible to brownouts and blackouts. Sounds smart.
Even the sometimes hard-to-please environmentalists are on board with the smart grid. They say the smart grid will help reduce global carbon emissions, and integrate other forms of sustainable energy production. Unsurprisingly, President Obama also says the modernized electricity system is smart for America. His administration has led the way to at least $4.5 billion to help smart grid technology become a reality in the U.S.
But is the smart grid an intelligent solution for all of us? Are there any hidden threats that would leave us feeling like: “Is this really better than what we had?”
What about Those Smart Hackers?
Since the smart grid is a computerized system, this opens you, business, and government organizations to cyber attacks. A smart grid is supposed to make blackouts less likely, but some experts are saying not so fast. According to them, smart grid technology has vulnerabilities that must be addressed in order to protect us from terrorist plots. For instance, a savvy hacker or terrorist organization could hack into the grid and shut it down causing massive blackouts. The results of such an attack could be devastating, especially if they were accompanied by coordinated physical security threats. The cyber experts are recommending that before a smart grid is built, cyber security safeguards need to be put in place.
What about Smart Costs?
The smart grid price tag to consumers is another real concern under the modernized system. Case in point, a pilot payment program led by a Massachusetts utilities company recently came under fire when the energy provider proposed a pay-in-advance plan for nearly 800 low-income households. Another proposed plan would charge a premium beyond basic energy usage such as laundry, heating, and cooking needs. According to the utilities company, the rationale is to promote and introduce energy efficiencies to consumers. The fear from opponents, however, is that such plans could leave low-income households without energy if they were to run out of credits, and the proposed payment plans could even circumvent state laws designed to protect consumers from being left in the dark because of slow payment or lack of payment. Nevertheless promoters across the U.S. of pay-in-advance programs cite that consumers actually use less energy than others who have traditional plans. Still, there is evidence that is only the case for more affluent users.
What about Smart Benefits?
Is it possible the sheer benefits of the smart grid outweigh the concerns of some its detractors? In addition to cool things to come from the smart grid discussed earlier, proponents say consumers will use less energy because the technology promotes consumer choice and greater efficiencies. Arguably, consumers currently use more energy than they need. In contrast, the smart grid may give the consumer more awareness of their total consumption in real-time, which may lead to “smarter” energy usage. Since power outages are theoretically less likely under a smart grid system, low-income consumers and others who are especially vulnerable if there is a loss of power can sleep easier at night during extreme weather conditions.
According to a 2006 study by the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, power outrages costs the U.S. $80 billion every year. So there is also an obvious financial benefit for business and government organizations that must deploy resources under duress to deal with power failure, and its immediate fallout (e.g., public health issues, national security issues, downtime of financial systems, additional pay for overtime).
Another “cool” benefit, which may resonate with consumers, is that the smart grid really is “smart.” During times when there is less demand for energy, the grid could automatically activate a home heating system. Likewise, at peak hours, the smart grid could turn off less essential appliances or devices such as an mp3 charging deck or lamps.
Is There a Smart Future?
Clearly, there are a few people who have some reservations regarding smart grid technology, and others who are all for it. If the modernized grid is to be successful, industry and government must plan ahead to address issues of cyber security safety as well as to ensure scalable systems. Additionally, legislative bodies may have to reconsider pricing and payment enforcement practices that safeguard consumers from big utilities, and if necessary enact laws to protect the mutual interests of users and providers.
Looking Forward to Your Smart Comments…
We want to hear from you. Smart grid: cool idea or just plain dumb? Is implementing smart grid technology worthwhile? Are we rushing into it? Once in place, how do you think pricing will play out for consumers? Will cost savings realized by electricity companies trickle down to you? Will our government organizations be ready for cyber terrorists’ plots to take advantage of the network vulnerabilities of the modernized grid?
Tags: appliances, ARRA, blackout, carbon emissions, consumers, Cyber security, electricity, Energy, ENERGY STAR, Going green, Government, Government Spending, green IT, Hackers, national security, power, smart grid, sustainability, technology, terrorists
Posted in Corporate, Economy, Energy, Government, Green Computing, IT Infrastructure, IT Strategy & Management, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Uncategorized | 10 Comments »
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