Microsoft released a new article last month outlining how Microsoft IT reduces the environmental impact of PCs used at Microsoft. All PCs must meet the follow criteria:
- Designed for efficiency: All PCs included in the Microsoft IT Client Standards List must meet Energy Star, Climate Savers, 80 Plus, and EPEAT Gold requirements.
- Consume power only when needed: A customized Windows’ power plan leverages Microsoft® System Center 2012 Configuration Manager Client Power Management (CPM) functionality to help ensure that PCs and monitors enter sleep mode when not in use.
- Disposed of responsibly: Microsoft has instituted a zero-landfill policy in the United States and is also expanding the technology reuse and recycling program globally. Microsoft’s Global Procurement Group (GPG) is collaborating with Microsoft IT to ensure that technology recycling programs are in place and that employees are informed about proper disposal procedures.
By addressing energy efficiency during operations, Microsoft IT has reduced client PC energy consumption by 32 percent, which has lowered Microsoft’s carbon emissions and saved money.
All of the PCs on the Microsoft IT Client Standards List are EPEAT Gold registered, which also means that they are all Energy Star compliant. In the United States, 95 percent of employee PC purchases are on the Client Standards List.
Microsoft IT has implemented and enforces customized power settings that leverage System Center 2012 Configuration Managerfunctionality to manage power-saving settings for more than 90 percent of client computers at Microsoft. The first policy settings were rolled out in October 2010, and energy consumption was immediately reduced by 26 percent for Microsoft IT–managed client desktop and portable computers
You can check out the full article to learn more about the Microsoft Client Hardware Procurement process, Client Power Management strategy, and the Technology Recycling Program.