While modern computers have become more powerful and are now able to deal with more complex processes, the problem is that these powerful computers have become energy hungry beasts, using a lot of power. Fortunately, there are ways that you can help to save energy with your computer without sacrificing too much of the performance.

1) Keep up to date with low power PC's. As technology advances, companies are finding ways of creating high performance, low power PCs. While you will have to buy a new computer, the cost of the computer could easily be recouped within a few years based on the levels of energy saved.

2) Do you really need that much power? Even if you are using low power computers, you should think about how much power you actually need. There is no point using low power servers instead of computers if you are only using it for browsing the internet. You do not need that much power and would be better off using a low power PC. If possible, notebooks and netbooks are even better for saving enegy rather than a PC.

3) Use standby or sleep when not at your computer. Many people do not realise that by putting their computer into sleep mode they can actually save over 50% of the energy usage of their PC. When you go out for lunch or in to a meeting, remember to put your computer into sleep mode.