College making use of energy-saving PCs

19:23 12th January 2009

New green-focused computers are proving to be a hit at an educational institution in Bromley, according to a new report released today (January 12th) by the Guardian.

With the economic downturn and increased energy bills hitting UK schools hard, many are looking to cut costs while maintaining crucial IT training for their pupils.

Orpington College has approached the situation by snapping up a number of 'Ecoquiet' PCs produced by RM, which use two-thirds less energy than their conventional counterparts.

The 'thin-client' computers - which use a low-powered base unit and a flat monitor - are thought to be able to save an average school with 200 PCs up to £9,000 in energy bills over a three-year period.

Andre Zelenka, the college's service manager, told the newspaper: "The college normally replaces its equipment every three years or so, but with thin-client technology you can keep hold of your old computers and use them as thin clients.

"This radically changes the total cost of ownership of your existing machines."

A recent Ofsted report entitled 'Schools and Sustainability: a Climate for Change' revealed that schools are not doing enough to teach pupils about sustainability.