Google is reducing their carbon footprint by using solar energy and encouraging fuel efficient cars. They have also joined with Intel in an initiative to cut emissions.
Google’s solar energy system is one of the largest out of any corporate site in the world. The solar panels that were installed in the spring of 2007 will pay for themselves within seven and a half years and should work for 25 years. They’re planning to expand the system beyond Mountain View headquarters into their other offices. They have joined with the World Resources Institute’s Green Power Market Development Group to help meet their needs for reliable green power.
Transportation
A corporate shuttle program brings over 1,500 employees to their headquarters and Google is offering a $5,000 rebate to employees who purchase a fuel-efficient car. The shuttle bus runs on diesel fuel, which is cleaner burning than gasoline. They are also handing out free bikes to encourage more to cycle to work.
Google and Intel Join in Climate Saving Computer Initiative
Google and Intel's "Climate Savers Computing Initiative" explain how carbon dioxide emissions from computer use hurts our environment on this YouTube video.
The bottom line for consumers is their initiative to cut emissions in half raises the price of personal computers by 20 dollars and servers by 30. I guess springing an extra 20 bucks is worth it if it helps saves the planet.
Google says they're taking steps to be carbon neutral by the end of 2007 but I hope that doesn't mean any more major price jumps.
