Hewlett-Packard has added new power-saving tools and products, while Intel has launched four new processors that aim to boost efficiency.
Through improved product design, HP hopes to help customers save a billion kilowatt hours by 2011.
As part of its topline IT product offerings, HP plans to double the amount of its HP ProLiant G6 server platforms in the market. The server reportedly has twice the computing power at half the energy use of existing models.
For businesses, HP says its Eco Solutions printing practice for large organizations, which now includes the HP Web Jetadmin Eco Solutions Reports and updates to the HP Carbon Footprint Calculator for printing, will help reduce paper and energy usage, according to a press release.
For consumers, HP has launched the Power To Change campaign, which encourages consumers to download a desktop widget that tracks energy savings from turning off idle PCs.
Additionally, HP is incorporating more environmentally friendly operational and manufacturing processes. The company, from 2007 to 2011, expects to recycle more than 100 million pounds of plastic for use in its printers. Internationally, the firm has expanded its Planet Partners recycling program to Bulgaria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
For its part, Intel is launching four new processors for ultra-thin laptops. All of the processors have reduced energy needs, enabling longer battery life. One of the new processors is an extremely low-power version, according to a press release.