What is Green Computing?

image of a laptop in grass with Green IT in Trinity webpage open

12 Mar 2025

Green computing, also known as sustainable computing, refers to the environmentally responsible use of computers and related technology. It involves designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers and IT infrastructure in a way that minimises environmental impact. This includes energy-efficient hardware and software, reduced electronic waste, and sustainable IT practices.

At Trinity College Dublin, IT Services is committed to helping the University meet its Sustainability Strategy goals. Below, we outline the steps we are taking to promote green computing and how you can contribute to this effort.

What We’re Doing

IT Services actively engages in various initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint:

Responsible Recycling: We ensure the responsible recycling of all old computing equipment and office materials. Learn more about the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment and join the online Reuse/Repurpose group to give items a new home.

Before recycling devices containing sensitive Trinity data, please follow our instructions on secure data disposal and hard-drive destruction.
Efficient Printing: We have transitioned to communal multifunctional print devices, reducing reliance on personal desktop printers.
Online Learning Support: The Blackboard service facilitates online learning, minimising travel requirements and paper use.
Server Virtualisation: This reduces the need for physical server hardware, lowering energy consumption.
Optimised Computer Power Settings: Computers in IT Services computer rooms have optimised power-saving settings.
Sustainable Printing Practices: Datapac multi-function printers default to duplex printing and scan-to-email to reduce paper and toner waste.
Green Data Centre: Our world-class Green Data Centre is designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact, focusing on sustainability, reduced operational costs, and a lower carbon footprint.

Sustainability by Objective: The 2017/18 Data Storage Project

In 2017/18, Trinity College Dublin invested €750,000 in a sustainable data storage project, aimed at ensuring service continuity while reducing environmental impact. The goal was to achieve a 50% reduction in energy usage in the Data Storage Area Network (SAN), based on 2017 levels. This goal was surpassed, resulting in:

55% energy savings in the Green Data Centre and secondary Data Centre, equivalent to a reduction of 14,682kg CO₂ per annum.
50% energy savings in a third remote Data Centre, leading to a reduction of 2,072kg CO₂ per annum.
Additional ongoing energy savings from reduced cooling requirements due to lower energy consumption.

What You Can Do

You play an essential role in reducing Trinity’s environmental footprint. Here’s how you can contribute:

Power Down: Turn off monitors, printers, and peripherals when not in use. Even a ten-minute break can make a difference. Shut down devices overnight and on weekends.
Energy-Saving Settings: Configure laptops and computers to go on standby after a set period of inactivity.
Smart File Sharing: Use Microsoft OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint instead of email attachments for large files.
Print Wisely: Avoid printing when possible, but if necessary, print in duplex (double-sided) to reduce paper waste.
Go Digital: Bring a laptop or tablet to meetings instead of printing materials. Recycle old printouts when no longer needed.
Reduce Travel: Use video conferencing tools instead of traveling for meetings.
Choose Energy-Efficient Equipment: Laptops consume less power than desktops. When purchasing IT equipment, opt for durable, energy-efficient models.
Encourage Sustainable Printing Practices: Advocate for shared multi-function printers instead of multiple small, individual printers in your department.
Buy Long-Lasting Devices: Manufacturing accounts for 70% of a PC’s total resource consumption—choosing high-quality, durable devices reduces overall environmental impact.