Free PC Software Trims Energy Bills

While much of the IT industry has focused on data center energy efficiency, the world’s more than one billion PCs are an unexpected drain of energy and source of carbon emissions. Specifically, PCs energy consumption correlates to an average of 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide and, worldwide, can consume about 506 billion kWh per year — the equivalent of 70 million cars on the road.

Edison — a free energy-monitoring application that allows active control of PC energy consumption — became available on August 6, offering a simple solution for the individual PC user. Made for the Windows operating system, Edison enhances existing PC power settings and provides an interface that is easy to set up and manage. Developed by Verdiem, the energy-management application is supported by Microsoft as a way for consumers to become active in supporting the Climate Savers Computing Initiative goal of reducing global CO₂ emissions from the operation of computers by 54 million tons by 2010.

“PCs are the hidden energy hogs of the home and most users have no idea that they are needlessly throwing away 80 percent of their PC’s energy,” said Kevin Klustner, Verdiem’s President and CEO. “If just 1 percent of all PCs used Edison we could potentially reduce environmental impacts by seven billion pounds of CO₂, which is equal to taking more than a half million cars off the road. By finding ways to embed offsets in our daily life — even something as simple as downloading software — we will create permanent reductions in energy use and have a huge impact on our environment and resource sustainability.”

Microsoft is asking its Windows PC users to augment current PC power settings with Edison software, and Verdiem is challenging PC users to do their part by download 10 million copies of Edison (approximately one percent of the global PC population) in the next year. Verdiem and Microsoft are both members of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, a nonprofit group of eco-conscious consumers, businesses and conservation organizations committed to reducing the power consumption of PCs and servers. The organization recognizes the value and importance of PC power management and its potential effects.

“Recent studies predict PC ownership will quadruple to 4 billion and double emissions by 2020, so implementing PC energy management solutions at home and in the workplace is a vital component of climate protection,” said Lorie Wigle, President of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative. “Tools like Edison can help consumers control and monitor their PC’s energy intake and make a real difference in the way they manage the power consumption of the technology they use.”

Edison’s features include:

• Scheduling — allows users to identify work and non-work schedules to optimize power schemes based on when the PC is in use or on standby.

• Settings — provides several options of desired power savings and settings. Simply choose the most appropriate and it applies 24x7x365.

• Estimated Savings Reports — offers information that correlates PC power settings to money, kWh and CO₂ savings.

• Intuitive User Interface — easy-to-use sliding bars help consumers choose settings and instantly see the power and monetary savings. Clearly marked tabs help users navigate through the interface.

Edison is available today at no cost. To download the application and start reducing your household’s greenhouse gas emissions, visit www.verdiem.com/edison