An average desktop computer has a power usage of between 80 and 250 watts depending on graphics cards, and additional peripherals.

The cost to the university to operate a typical computer and monitor workstation (130 watts @ 11c kW/h) for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year is $129.73. The same workstation operating only during work hours – 8 hours a day, 5 day, all year is only $30.89!

Unfortunately, much of this energy is wasted while the computer or printer sits idle, perhaps while you are in a meeting, on the telephone, or at lunch.

Any current computer, printer, fax machine, or photocopier has energy saving features that put the machine into a sleep mode when it's not in use. Substantial power savings of up to 50 per cent or higher (over 90% on some devices) can be realised immediately.

This is the most significant area for energy, greenhouse gas and monetary savings to be made on the Griffith Campus.