Vista is Green

Microsoft Windows Vista™ features a low-power "Sleep" mode whilst the computer is not in use. Sleep allows consumers saving energy as much as shutdown, yet interestingly fast in resume. Sleep is nearly a mixture of XP's Hibernate and Standby features. As in hibernation, it resumes from disk in case of power failure; otherwise, resumes from memory as in normal standby. Surprisingly, sleep performance is consistent enough by the mercy of new Microsoft Superfetch™ technology.

Based on LBNL study on 2002, typical Intel Pentium 4 PC with 17" CRT display consumes 128.5 watts when idle but running. According to EPA, generating 1kw/h of electricity in the US results in 700g of CO2 emissions; therefore, using "Sleep" feature to save energy when not using PCs result in 760kw/h saving, eliminating 534kg of CO2 emissions annually which is equates to 10% of a private vehicle emissions.

Ten of these PCs left on when not in use results in the equivalent of one more car on the road in terms of greenhouse gas contribution annually.

Also based on ICG consulting calculations, 1 acre of forest sequesters 3326kg of CO2 emissions annually. So eliminating 534kg of this amount means 0.161 acres of trees not required.

For every 6 PCs left on when not in use, an acre of trees is required to sequester the greenhouse gas that is released due to generating the power to leave them fully on while not in use.

For more information please refer to VistaEnergyConserv.doc