Ford Saves One Million Dollars...0Shutting Off Computers
  BY Ariel Schwartz Tue Mar 23, 2010



Talk about low-hanging fruit.  Ford estimates that it will save 
$1.2 million and
reduce its carbon footprint by 16,000 to 25,000 metric tons 
annually--just by
shutting off computers when they aren't in use.  The secret to 
getting employees
to shut down is a program called PC Power Management that 
centrally controls
laptops and desktops to power down overnight and on weekends.  At 
the same time,
the program makes sure that computers connected to the Ford 
Intranet are able to
receive software deliveries during off hours, decreasing downtime 
during working
hours due to excess software loads.  Simple, right?
It's not that Ford's idea is so revolutionary.  Plenty of studies 
have shown that
shutting down computers saves big bucks.  In fact, research from 
software company
1E has demonstrated that over $2.8 billion in PC power is wasted 
every year in
the U.S.  And both ATANDT and Verizon have used 1E's software in 
the past to save
energy.  But we appreciate that Ford is publicizing its money and 
energy-saving
efforts.  Perhaps the auto company will inspire other 
corporations to follow
suit.  After all, going green doesn't get much easier than 
pressing the "off"
button on the computer.
  Copyright Ággc) 2010 Mansueto Ventures LLC.  All rights 
reserved.


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