GSD > State Architect's Office / Office of Procurement Services > Office of Energy Services

Ohio Commits to Energy-Efficient Computers

The state of Ohio has become a partner in a program to use only energy-efficient computer equipment. The program, which affects mostly new computer purchases, is currently saving the state an estimated $300,000 per year in avoided energy costs.

In December 1994, Governor George V. Voinovich signed a Letter of Principle committing state government to the U.S. EPA's Energy Star Computers Program. Ohio was the first state government to participate.

Energy Star computers are identical in operation to standard computers, with one exception: they enter a low-power or "sleep" mode when not in use. This energy-saving feature does not affect memory or change work in progress. The computer can be revived simply by a keystroke or the touch of a mouse. Once a novelty, energy-efficient models are now available from 75% of all computer manufacturers and 90% of laser printer manufacturers. There is typically no cost premium for an Energy Star model.

DAS Computer Services, which coordinates computer purchases for state government, has placed only Energy Star compliant equipment on state term contracts.

The federal government, as the world's largest computer purchaser, is also an Energy Star partner. The program is expected to save federal taxpayers over $40,000,000 annually. Federal GSA purchased more than 250,000 Energy Star PC's in the program's first year.

Specifically, the letter of Principle with the U.S.EPA commits the State of Ohio to:

• revise purchasing or procurement specifications to require that all new purchases of computers, monitors and printers meet the EPA's Energy Star requirements;
• investigate the use of after market devises or software that can help reduce the energy use associated with the current stock of computers, monitors and printers;
• encourage employees to turn off their equipment when they leave for the day;
• educate employees about the economic and environmental benefits of using Energy Star equipment.

It is anticipated that other states will soon join Ohio and California in this common sense approach to energy savings.