Switch to a laptop and use less power

It will come as no surprise to find that computer equipment is now a standard feature of many UK homes. But with more and more time spent on our home computers, the electricity used to power our home computers doubled between 2000 and 2005, and by 2020 it is expected to increase by a further third.

Computers aren’t the most energy-hungry appliances, but if you’re looking for a new computer, it may be worth considering whether a lower energy alternative might meet your needs.

According to the Energy Savings Trust, laptops run on just a third of the power used by a desktop PC, which means that in addition to COsub > 2 savings, you could save more than £35 a year on electricity bills when making the change.

Compared to desktop computers, laptop components are smaller and more efficient: they require less electricity to run and therefore are responsible for less CO2 emissions.

With no applicable power rating standards within the computing industry, it’s not always clear if your preferred model is as energy efficient as you’d like it to be. However, the EU’s Energy Star is a voluntary scheme that aims to promote energy-efficient office equipment, so look for products with an Energy Star rating.

The Apple MacBook Air meets Energy Star standards to improve energy efficiency and reduce hazardous components. In addition to looking good for being ultra-slim and having a 13.3-inch screen, a 1.6 GHz or 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, an 80 GB 1.8-inch hard drive and fewer dangerous components Like previous models, the MacBook laptop underscores Apple’s commitment to improving the environmental credentials of its technology. The notebook incorporates a mercury-free LCD screen with arsenic-free glass and BFR-free material used for most circuit boards, as well as PVC-free internal cables. It’s even sold in a retail box that’s 56% smaller than previous packaging and made from 100% recycled material.

If you prefer a Microsoft Windows compatible laptop with green credentials, an HP laptop might be the option for you. HP laptops are designed for longer battery life and lower power consumption than other laptops. HP products are designed for reliability and upgradeability, thereby extending the functional life of notebook computers, saving IT replacement costs, and reducing waste.

Alternatively, Sony’s VAIO notebooks use an LED-backlit LCD screen, which contains no mercury and is more efficient than a traditional lamp-based backlight. An ambient light sensor also automatically adjusts screen brightness to further save power.

By opting for a laptop over a desktop, you can feel good because you’re using less energy and doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions.

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