This online community is for sharing ideas, thoughts and raising awareness about the green computing needs. We can discuss the business and environmental challenges we are facing worldwide due to ever growing computing demand that requires more and more information technology (IT) infrastructure that in turn consumes more and more energy.

The efficiency of IT infrastructure is now at the top of the mind of business leaders, environmentalists and policy-makers.

Green computing is the environmentally responsible use of computers and related resources. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient central processing units ( CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of electronic waste ( e-waste).

One of the earliest initiatives toward green computing in the United States was the voluntary labeling program known as Energy Star. It was conceived by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 to promote energy efficiency in hardware of all kinds. The Energy Star label became a common sight, especially in notebook computers and displays. Similar programs have been adopted in Europe and Asia.

Government regulation, however well-intentioned, is only part of an overall green computing philosophy. The work habits of computer users and businesses can be modified to minimize adverse impact on the global environment.