In the past two decades, the UK has undertaken various efforts to lower the carbon footprint across industries as well as national and local government organisations, and quite successfully so.
Reducing costs with smart devices
From the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme to the goal of a net-zero economy, there have been legislation and public and government initiatives towards more sustainable energy consumption. Not all endeavours have to be on a grand scale to contribute to this goal. Sometimes small energy savings with smart everyday devices can add up to make a substantial contribution, as our example shows:
Monitors are virtually everywhere. There is no government office, national or local, without one. Nationwide, there must be tens or even hundreds of thousands of them. Modern computer displays with LED backlights are pretty energy-efficient. But this does not mean that power consumption cannot be lowered.
Philips monitors recently introduced the world’s most energy-efficient, “green” monitor, the 24-inch 241B7QGJEB. This display features an innovative new backlight technology ensuring optimum brightness at reduced power consumption, which results in a typical wattage of just 8.2 W in its Eco-mode, and 11 watts power consumption measured with EnergyStar 7.0, earning it an A++ energy label. It’s a significant difference compared to regular monitors of the same size, which consume ~20 W. Considering monitors run uninterruptedly throughout each work day, the potential cost savings are definitely not to be ignored. Additionally, the power-saving features also enable a longer lifespan for the monitor.
Green features of the Philips 241B7QGJEB
The 241B7QGJEB is equipped with a colour-accurate IPS panel with crystal clear Full HD resolution and includes a number of innovative “green” features: The embedded PowerSensor uses infrared rays to detect when a user moves away from the monitor, to then reduce the backlight intensity, resulting in energy savings of up to 80%. The LightSensor measures the ambient light and automatically adjusts the display’s brightness. Further, the zero-watt switch keeps what its name promises. Once set to the off position, the device is fully disconnected and draws zero current from the power supply.
But the green monitor’s impact for sustainability doesn’t stop here: The 241B7QGJEB is composed of lightweight, 85% post-consumer recycled plastics, and entirely free of harmful substances such as lead, mercury, halogen, and PVC/BFR. Its plastic body parts, metal chassis, and packing materials are 100% recyclable, too. For cushioning, by the way, papier mâché is used, not the usual polystyrene foam. Compared to conventional monitors, this reduces plastic waste significantly, thus helping to keep our environment and oceans clean.
A positive impact on user-well being
For people who sit in front of a monitor for long hours, a good posture is really important to prevent backache, for example.
For this, users need to be able to adjust their monitor’s position to suit their requirements. This is only possible if the display comes with a height-adjustable stand with tilt and swivel options. The Philips monitor stand, called SmartErgoBase, offers 130 mm or 150mm height adjustment (depending on the model). Also, they can use the swivel function to turn the monitor horizontally or tilt t it forwards or backwards to put the display in a position that is most comfortable for them.
Additionally, most Philips monitors are equipped Low Blue Light mode, using a software solution to reduce potentially harmful short-wavelength blue light, and FlickerFree technology to eliminate flicker when adjusting the backlight brightness. Both technologies reduce eye strain and headaches associated with it.
The “green” monitor 241B7QGJEB employs both the SmartErgoBase as well as the Low Blue Light mode and FlickerFree technology. This innovative monitor is not only friendly on the environment, but improves wellbeing for everyone sitting in front of one.
