Environmental Impacts

All computing devices require power to run, and generating this power has an impact on the environment. Whether it’s your phone, a laptop, or a washing machine with a digital display — the more energy used, the greater the environmental cost.

By using our devices more efficiently, we can reduce how much energy they consume and lower their carbon footprint.

How can we help the environment?

When it comes to computers, there are four key ways we can help the environment:

  • Turn the brightness down on your monitor

  • Avoid using a screen saver — it uses power even when you’re not working

  • Set monitors to automatically power down after a short time

  • Use standby, sleep, or hibernate modes when you’re not using the computer

Small changes make a big difference!

National 5 Target

You should be able to identify and describe ways to help the environment using computers.