What an Energy-Efficient Computer Can Do

The report analyzes the total value of adopting energy-efficient computers, using the IBM PS/2 E as a benchmark. It demonstrates that such machines reduce direct energy use by approximately 80% during office hours and lower secondary energy needs for cooling and power distribution. Beyond utility savings, the author highlights substantial capital cost reductions in air-conditioning and wiring for new and renovated buildings. Environmentally, the report quantifies the reduction in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions. Finally, it suggests that the elimination of fan noise, radiant heat, and screen flicker, combined with better ergonomics, can lead to productivity gains that may outweigh all other economic benefits.

• Energy-efficient computers can drastically reduce electricity consumption through better hardware and automatic power management. For example, a power-managed computer like the PS/2 E can achieve direct electrical savings of around 80% during office hours compared to a typical 150-watt installation.
• Reducing computer energy use creates a secondary 'energy bonus' by lowering the heat load that must be removed by air conditioning. In an average office building, this net bonus is roughly 35% of the direct energy savings, though it varies by climate and building type.
• The use of efficient computers reduces the required capacity for building infrastructure, lowering capital costs. One efficient computer can reduce the required air conditioning capacity by at least 0.046 tons, potentially cutting about $130 off the capital cost of a new U.S. office building.
• Efficient computers mitigate power-quality issues, such as overloaded neutral wires caused by harmonics from switching power supplies. Because their power supplies are smaller and have better power quality, they can help owners of older buildings avoid costly wiring upgrades.
• From a utility perspective, adopting efficient computers reduces the need for generating and distribution capacity. A single efficient desktop saving a peak load of 150 watts avoids approximately $370 in utility investment, a figure that could rise to $500-800 when accounting for improved power factors.
• The environmental impact of using an efficient computer includes a significant reduction in pollutants if the electricity is coal-fired. Annual savings of 1,213 net generated kWh avoid producing approximately 1.63 short tons of carbon dioxide, 30 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 12 pounds of nitrogen oxides.
• Energy-efficient computers can enhance labor productivity by improving the work environment. Benefits include the elimination of fan noise, reduced radiant heat, and the use of LCD screens that eliminate flicker and reduce glare.

APA

LOVINS, A. B. (1993). What an Energy-Efficient Computer Can Do. RMI. https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_E93-20_EnergyEffComputer.pdf

Chicago

LOVINS, AMORY B. What an Energy-Efficient Computer Can Do. RMI, 1993. https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_E93-20_EnergyEffComputer.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=LOVINS |first1=AMORY B. |title=What an Energy-Efficient Computer Can Do |publisher=RMI |date=10 October 1993 |url=https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_E93-20_EnergyEffComputer.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{lovins1993what, author = {LOVINS, AMORY B.}, title = {{What an Energy-Efficient Computer Can Do}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {1993}, month = oct, url = {https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2017/05/RMI_Document_Repository_Public-Reprts_E93-20_EnergyEffComputer.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }