Acting green in the office: energy efficiency

Welcome to "Save money, be energy efficient." You'll begin this class by learning why becoming an energy conservation company is important to your budget, your customers and others. Then you'll explore U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ENERGY STAR and other relevant regulations and guidelines that environmentally aware companies follow. Later lessons focus on specific energy-efficient technologies, energy conservation tips, safely transitioning IT assets and a range of ideas to help you become more environmentally conscious in the workplace.

This class is designed for small to medium-size business (SMB) owners and IT decision makers who want to reduce energy costs and save money by embracing a more energy-efficient work environment.

Here's what to expect in the lessons:

• Lesson 1: Acting green in the office: energy efficiency covers the benefits of switching to energy-efficient computing technology, along with related EPA and other regulations that affect businesses and organizations.
• Lesson 2: Using energy-efficient computers, technologies and techniques focuses on using energy-efficient PCs and peripherals at the end-user level, in addition to printing techniques and electronic workflow ideas.
• Lesson 3: Storage systems, exchange virtualization and cooling explores ways to save energy by improving the energy efficiency of existing work environments. You'll explore server and storage power management, server blades, virtualization and power and cooling techniques.
• Lesson 4: Good recycling programs for the office covers re-use and recycling programs to help businesses raise awareness and properly dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) and consumables. You'll also learn how to make smart purchasing decisions.

Beyond the lessons, complete the assignments and quizzes, which help you reinforce important topics and concepts. When you're done with them, visit the message board. It's the perfect place to discuss class topics and swap questions and comments with other students and your instructor.

Take a few moments to meet your instructor and fellow students on the class message board and let them know a little about you.

Let's get started with the topics in Lesson 1.