The goal of producing 100% wholly-green computers is not fully
realized, but the market for green hardware will grow from about $47
billion in 2009 to $223.7 billion in 2013, according to a new report.
A green computer/server, as defined by NextGen Research, is one that is built from eco-friendly materials, features low power consumption and Computer Power Management (CPM) capabilities, has fewer and smaller component parts and generates less heat than previous models, and ultimately is responsible for the emission of less CO2 into the atmosphere.
A wholly green product also would be packaged in recyclable materials and, at the end of its useful life cycle, will be traded in to the manufacturer or to another organization that will reuse and/or recycle the equipment, rather than dumping it into a landfill.
Computer and server vendors are working to make their products increasingly energy-efficient and environmentally benign, in order to tap into the growing market, NextGen Research states.
The study’s author, Laura DiDio, notes that all the hardware vendors competing in the computing equipment sectors share the common philosophy that "green desktop and server hardware are good for the planet, and what’s good for the planet is good for business." They’re also motivated by a lengthening list of legislative initiatives that regulate everything from component materials, manufacturing guidelines, green building codes, and carbon emissions to disposal and recycling efforts.
As the recession ebbs and the economy strengthens, the burgeoning global green PC and server hardware market will be spurred by a number of key trends, which include growing electrical demand; constraints on corporate data space, power requirements and costs; and a lower cost of ownership for green computing products that can help cost-constrained corporations keep more green in their wallets over the long term.
Ms. DiDio also notes that governmental and utility incentives and mandates to curb power consumption and reduce carbon footprints will help spur demand for green computing equipment. However, she says, "It will take years beyond the forecast period before all computer and server hardware consists of electrically efficient devices made up of biodegradable, recyclable and/or reusable parts."
The report "Green Computing: Reducing the Environmental Impact of PCs, Servers By Using Safer Materials, Slashing Power Needs" is available online.
In Related News…
Apple (Nasdaq: APL) is the latest company to resign from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over its opposition to climate change legislation. And the company recently expanded environmental disclosures on its products. Read the New York Times coverage fat the link below.
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