JUN 09

The Department of Energy recently underwent an energy audit by its inspector general and the results (PDF) were not good. It seems none of the seven facilities surveyed were complying with the department's own power-saving guidelines when it comes to computers.

It was found that computer monitors were either set to never turn off after a period of non-use or were set to turn off after very extended periods of non-use like 48 hours. The auditors concluded that the DOE could be saving $1.6 million a year on energy bills by just utilizing power-saving tools on their computers.

The audit found that if the department took advantage of all available opportunities for reducing energy consumption and more closely monitored the energy use at its data centers and facilities, it could save $23 million over the next five years. One of the big changes that the survey mentions could significantly reduce energy consumption is a switch to thin-client computing.

The only good marks that the department received were for increasing the amount of energy efficient computers being used and for an automated computer shutdown program that was implemented at the department headquarters.

As the department that is setting the guidelines and shaping the energy future that we all will live in, it's pretty important that they are following their own advice. I hope this report spurs them to do so.

via WSJ Environmental Capital

Comments (4)

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hehe
written by Bryan, June 10, 2009

That's funny in a sad way...

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At Least They Did an Audit!
written by Carl Hage, June 10, 2009

It was found that computer monitors were either set to never turn off after a period of non-use or were set to turn off after very extended periods of non-use like 48 hours.

Isn't that pretty much typical? Windows normally comes pre-configured to waste power, and people don't understand that running a screen saver (flying toasters, fishbowl, etc.) wastes energy.

Also, monitors are pretty good at standby, but many computers suck at wake from standby or even detecting idle conditions, so people don't often use it. (You don't want the computer shutting off during a skype call, for example.)

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Practice What You Preach
written by Courtney Woo, June 11, 2009

There's little excuse for the DOE's failure to comply with its own guidelines, especially for something as basic as installing power-saving tools on its computers and monitors.

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...
written by Fred, June 30, 2009

Although we have buildings that are supposed to be more efficient they still need to be monitored frequently to ensure the quality of energy being saved

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