Telstra Forces its Computers to Go Black - and Green
Australian telco, Telstra says that is has disabled the graphical screensavers on around 36,000 computers across the company, reducing Telstra's energy consumption conservatively by around 646 tonnes CO2 equivalent annually - this simple step is the equivalent of removing nearly 140 cars from Australian roads for a year.
At midnight on 2 June 2008, corporate screensavers were removed from all Windows XP employee laptops and desktops computers, and replaced with a black screensaver.
Originally, screensavers were designed to conserve older computer screens that would be damaged by leaving the same areas illuminated for long periods. However modern screens don't require these measures. Over time screensavers have been used predominantly for entertainment and communication.
Telstra Property Director Mr Vito Chiodo said, "Previously Telstra's multi-coloured screensaver was used to share our corporate messages. By replacing this with a black screensaver we are sending a strong environmental message to our staff that we are listening to their suggestions for ways to save energy and that we should take every opportunity, at every level in the organisation, to walk our talk.
"Screensavers use as much energy as a full screen of work and also require considerable processing energy. This change enables us to maintain our existing computer security levels, while still reducing our energy use through a black screen," Mr Chiodo said.
Telstra's screensaver initiative is part of a wider employee program that provides employees with simple and practical information on how they can conserve energy, water and paper, and contribute to a 'greener' workplace.
Posted to the site on 4th June 2008
