While computers certainly offer plenty of productivity advantages, they can also pack a heavy wallop on energy consumption. But in recent years, Dell has made significant strides in reducing the amount of energy used in its desktop and laptop computers, cutting customers’ related energy costs by 25% or more since 2008.

 

This most recent improvement is a continuation of Dell’s leadership in energy efficient technology. Dell’s models have made major leaps in reducing energy consumption several times in the past decade, improving by as much as 50% over the span of just a few years.  

 

Dell continues to improve the efficiency of its products and, in the past two years, some new models have experienced dramatic energy reductions when compared to their similarly configured predecessors.

 

How is Dell achieving these remarkable efficiency levels? First, the company continues to integrate Energy Smart technologies, including circuit designs, fans and power management features. They also work closely with suppliers to further develop and deliver energy-efficient components, including processors, chip sets, power supplies and memory.

Additionally, the mercury-free LED displays now used across the entire Dell laptop portfolio provide a significant energy savings. At maximum brightness, the Dell 15-inch LED displays consume 43 percent less power than the previously used cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) technology.

 

Dell estimates LED displays will save customers approximately $20 million and 220 million kilowatt-hours in 2010 and 2011 combined, the equivalent of annual CO2 emissions resulting from energy use of more than 10,000 homes.

 

Desktop customers can lower energy costs by taking advantage of Dell’s 80 PLUS Gold-certified power supplies. The 80 PLUS Gold standards exceed the power-supply requirements in the EPA’s Energy Star 5.0 standard for computers and requires the use of 80 percent or more efficient power supplies.

 

The improved efficiency of Dell’s products marks the achievement of an ambitious goal set two years ago. The company continues to show leadership in sustainability, providing a wealth of easy-to-use resources for individuals and organizations to assess, manage and reduce their energy use.

 

So, while your new Dell computer makes you more efficient at work, it’s also making you more environmentally efficient. Think of it like multi-tasking.