Intel, Google, and Friends Begin Energy-Efficient Revolution

Google and Intel have decided to "go green" and are hoping to start a worldwide campaign that will motivate every computer-maker to do the same.

The two technological powerhouses recently unveiled the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, a voluntary program that they hope will eventually make energy-saving computers the only ones available on the market. (Source: usatoday.com) 

Typically, a standard PC wastes about half of the energy it draws. While power-saving technology is available to manufacturers, it costs roughly $20 extra per PC. While $20 may not seem like very much, it adds up to a small fortune for computer makers who consistently find themselves engaged in fierce competition with rival companies.

Google and Intel hope that by purchasing only energy-efficient computers, they can pressure others to follow their lead. Nearly 40 companies have agreed to the "go green" campaign, with IBM, Microsoft, Dell and Hewlett-Packard being the most prolific companies to do so. (Source: usatoday.com)

Yahoo and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), both known rivals of Google and Intel respectively, have also committed to the energy-saving movement. Other non-technological corporations that have agreed to the campaign include Starbucks, Pacific Gas and Electric and a few other, smaller companies. According to reports, the average firm is currently spending $20 million a year (as high as $130 million a year) on wasted electricity. (Source: news.yahoo.com)

A rise in demand for energy-efficient PCs would likely prompt computer makers to introduce more models, with the ultimate goal being to create a ripple effect from top corporate computers to the common PC.

Go Green...in your wallet, too

Many laptop users have voiced their desire for more efficient computers, because it makes their batteries last longer. As a whole, industry analysts believe that as volumes of energy-efficient computers increase, the cost of energy-efficient computers will drop considerably, in accordance. (Source: news.yahoo.com)

While the "go green" crusade is being promoted as an environmental concern, skeptics are certain that a number of economic factors have played heavily into the campaign.

Still, Google and Intel hope that every Fortune 500 company will commit to the energy-efficient movement.