Green Technology
Utilizing technology for a greener purpose has numerous benefits. It lets us progress into the future without endangering it and contributes to improved communications & bottom line.
The goal is to have technology, which does the desired work efficiently, with minimal or no environmental repercussions.
Highlights
- With standardizing of computer systems, Western can better manage the energy consumption with screen savers, auto-power management and wake on LAN upgrades.
- Moving from CRTs to flat panel monitors reduced Western's power consumption and reduced AC needs by reducing the heat output. The college saved almost $30,000 by switching.
- Virtual servers – reduce the actual number of physical servers and also reduce the amount of heat generated by the servers.
- Western has a four-year-replacement cycle on computers. Computers are top-of-the-line, so they last longer.
- Old computers are sent to the La Crosse County Household Hazardous Materials Facility.
- Western has been using ITV (Interactive Television) since 1987. ITV allows students to learn virtually without having to drive to the classroom. Sixteen rooms on seven campuses are used for this type of learning. Video conferencing capabilities are available to anywhere in the world.
Utilizing Technology based services:
- Charges students for copies and printing. Staff uses a card system with budgeted monies, encouraging people to think before they print.
- On-line registration – reducing the amount of paper used in Student Services.
