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Unless your IT department is run by an ultra-conscious greenie, there are probably steps towards energy efficiency that you can take in the new year. While these New Year's IT resolutions cost time and money, they are a worthwhile investment in the long run.
One easy (and cheap) step you can take is to plug holes in the floor, as leaks result in hot spots and the loss of cool air. Fortunately,  fixing holes is simple—just use Masonite and duct tape or KoldLok Brush Grommet.
Turning up your data center's heat by as little as one degree is another easy step you can take, and it can reduce energy consumption by as much as 4 to 5 percent. And consider this: if you raise the temperature from 68 F to 72 F, you'll reap energy savings of 15 to 20 percent.
Many people fear that turning a PC on and off reduces its life, but that's not true. PC power management programs can save you from $25 to $75 per PC. BigFix, Verdiem Surveyor, KACE KBOX, and 1E Nightwatchman are possible software solutions.
And while the satisfaction of opening up a brand new box of hardware can't be beat, tough economic times mean that refurbished machines shouldn't be overlooked. Even machines from last year can save valuable cash.
Finally, don't forget about zombie servers. These forgotten power-sucking machines cost money to keep alive, so track them down and unplug them as soon as possible.
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More Energy Saving Tips
Great ideas - very practical and easy to implement.
Here are two other simple ways to save energy and reduce waste.
Switching to the new energy efficient lighting can also add significant savings, while also helping to lower room temperature. Many companies, Subway and Dell, for example, have switched to these energy-saving bulbs with excellent results.
Also, do not forget to recycle. If there is not already a strong recycling campaign in your office, start one. Promote the program with incentives and keep it fun. The amount of paper that a typical IT department wastes can be significant--and by recycling, you can go a long way in helping to reduce landfill waste.
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Robert Piller is President of EcoMarketingSolutions.com, which helps companies promote their brand and image at trade shows and in direct mail with environmentally-friendly imprinted promotional products that won't end up in landfills. He is a frequent guest speaker and writer on green marketing issues and he welcomes comments and feedback to his postings on his blog: GreenSpotBlog.com.