Technology Helps Saved More than 29,000 tons of CO2 emissions

By DE Editors

Userful Corporation (Calgary, Alberta) announced that in the past year its software that allows up to ten people to work from one computer has saved 29,000 tons of CO2 emissions — based on 526kWh/PC/year for operation; 1818 kWh/PC for production; electricity generated @1.55 lbs. of CO2/kWh; and 11,560 lbs. CO2 per car per year (the equivalent of taking more than 5,000 cars off the road).

Userful leverages unused computing power (computers that sit idle while we read or type) to create an environmentally efficient alternative to traditional desktop computing. By simply attaching extra monitors, mice, and keyboards, up to 10 users can work on a single computer. Userful desktops have been deployed around the world with a typical configuration of six stations per computer.

Reducing the number of computers in use has additional earth-friendly benefits. Electronic waste is an increasing problem globally due to the quick obsolescence of electronics. This is compounded by the fact that computer waste is high in many toxic materials such as heavy metals and flame-retardant plastics, which easily leach into ground water and bio-accumulate. Using Userful products can reduce electronic waste by up to 80 percent, further decreasing its environmental footprint.

Userful is giving away a free version of its software that gives you a second computer for free. The free two-user licenses distributed under this promotion enable users with an extra video card (or a dual-head video card) to add an extra workstation by simply plugging in a spare monitor, USB keyboard, and mouse. Thousands of users have obtained free two-user licenses and information about the promotion from http://userful.com/products/free-2-user. There are two free downloads available: a Live CD, which lets you turn your PC into 2 independent workstations without affecting any of the software on your hard-disk, and one for users already running Linux.

For more information, visit Userful software.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.