Disadvantages Of Green Computing

Green computing is the “practice and procedures of using computing resources in an environmentally friendly way while maintaining overall computing performance” (Saha, 2014, p. 46). When the earth’s temperature continues to rise and starts to have an effect this is referred to as global warming. This is a large problem we are facing today. As described by Saha (2014), “Green computing is a well-balanced and sustainable approach towards the achievement of a greener, healthier and safer environment without compromising technological needs of the current and future generations” (p. 46). Green IT refers to the “study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems- such as monitors,

Companies that incorporate green computing are “upgrading to more efficient technology’s, virtualizing servers and consolidating systems” (Computerworld, 2016). These upgrades voice to the public that these companies are shifting to technologies that help the environment. Saha (2014) explains, “Carbon emissions are directly proportional to energy usage […] in 2007 there were approximately 44 million servers worldwide consuming 0.5% of all electricity; data centers in the U.S use more than 1% of all electricity” (p. 48). “Carbon emissions from operations are expected to grow more than 11% per year to 340 metric megatons by 2020” (Saha, 2014, p.

When getting rid of an old computer, it should be properly disposed of otherwise it can cause environmental harm. Instead of throwing the computer out, it can be reused, refurbished or recycled (Saha, 2014, p. 48). This means giving or selling old computers to those in need, fixing up old computers so they can be used, or even using old parts from the computers (Saha, 2014, p. 48).

Although green computing has many environmental advantages, there are also some risk factors involved. For example, green computing is a very expensive concept. Global warming in general lots of the time contributes to the fact that people have found cheaper ways to do things despite it’s environmental effects. A large problem would be to convince customers to spend the money in order to save money in the long