The National Governors Association (NGA) announced a groundbreaking energy efficiency partnership with Climate Savers Computing Initiative (CSCI) to drive the deployment of more energy efficient computers in state offices and agencies.

By joining forces, these groups believe states can achieve up to a 50 percent reduction in current energy consumption from state-owned computing equipment over the next 4 years.

Under the terms of the agreement, these states have committed to reducing energy consumption from a majority of their computing equipment by:

• Pledging to purchase high-efficiency computer equipment that meets or exceeds federal ENERGY STAR ratings;
• Optimizing existing computer systems by educating employees about more efficient and effective computer power management strategies, such as better using hibernation and sleep modes; and
• Ensuring in subsequent years states purchase computing equipment with increasing levels of efficiency.

Bill Weihl, co-chairman of CSCI's board of directors and Google's "Green Energy Czar," commented on the impact states can bring to the effort: "By implementing the Climate Savers Computing Initiative purchase and use criteria, states will achieve significant reductions in their own computing energy consumption. More importantly, their actions will provide leadership for residents and local businesses looking to implement effective emission reduction policies. We're very excited to be working with NGA on this program."

For more information about the initiative visit http://www.nga.org.