University of Abertay Dundee - PC ways to cut carbon emissions

A university is piloting software designed to reduce the carbon footprint of its 2,500 PCs while cutting its energy costs by 40 per cent. Steve McLeod, senior information specialist at the University of Abertay Dundee, said: "Everyone is aware of how important a role IT plays in the running of the university and indeed of so many organisations, but not everyone is aware that IT has a larger carbon footprint than the aviation industry." Abertay is measuring its computer activity with the help of Aberdeen-based Carbon Control Software by monitoring 150 computers used by staff and students. It will then decide whether, after a set period of inactivity, machines should automatically go into standby mode, move to hibernation mode or switch themselves off.