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Columbia University Libraries Implements New Energy Saving Policy

NEW YORK, April 21, 2010 –

On Earth Day, April 22, 2010 the Columbia University Libraries and Information Services will apply a new energy saving policy to administrative desktops. This new policy sets machines to hibernate after a period of inactivity, which limits the interruptions to staff productivity while still maximizing energy conservation. The initiative, in coordination with Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC 2030, is part of Columbia University's larger effort to cut greenhouse emissions by 30 percent by 2017.


Columbia University Libraries is able to implement this new energy standard with existing managed desktop technology. Ethan Christ, a systems analyst for the Columbia University Libraries who implemented the new energy conservation plan, said, "It's great that we are able to leverage technologies we already own for such an important cause."

Normally staff computers are left on after-hours to allow for system and security updates. With the new policy, all machines will automatically go into hibernation mode after a period of inactivity. In a hibernating state, computers consume less than three watts of power.

In combination with the existing policy of setting monitors and hard disks to standby, the Columbia University Libraries will save more than 200 megawatts of power or over 140 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

For more information about energy saving initiatives at Columbia University, see the Columbia Environmental Stewardship website.

Columbia University Libraries/Information Services is one of the top five academic research library systems in North America. The collections include over 10 million volumes, over 100,000 journals and serials, as well as extensive electronic resources, manuscripts, rare books, microforms, maps, graphic and audio-visual materials. The services and collections are organized into 22 libraries and various academic technology centers. The Libraries employs more than 550 professional and support staff. The website of the Libraries is the gateway to its services and resources: http://library.columbia.edu

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4/21/10 LMK

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