Comparison of Two ICT Solutions

DESKTOP PC VERSUS THIN CLIENT COMPUTING

1

Overview

• Introduction

• Methods of Analysis

• Important Findings of Paper

• Causes for the Differences Between the Two Scenarios

• Questions

2

Introduction

• Comparison of Two ICT Solutions: Desktop PC versus Thin client computing

• Written by Daniel Maga, Markus Hiebel and Christian Knermann - Published September 2012

• Compares traditional desktop PC computing model to thin client model:

― Environmental Perspective

― Highlights and explains the differences

3

IntroductionDesktop PC Thin Client Computing

• Standalone device• Network connection not essential

• Server performs all computational functions

• Needs a network connection

Vs.

4

Methods of Analysis

2 methods used to measure environmental impacts of ICT products throughout their lifecycle

1. Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related products (MEErp) – emissions & Global Warming Potential (GWP)

2. Material Input Per Service (MIPS) – Materials used in lifecycle (Material, water & air)

5

Methods of Analysis

Material Extraction

& Production

Manufacturing Distribution

Use

End of Life

6

1. Important Findings• Negative Impact to the environment caused by Desktop PC

model is significantly greater than Thin Client computing

Thin Client Desktop PC Saving0

100

200

300

400

500

600

141

412

270

528

Entire Lifecycle CO2e Emissions – MEErp Method

Scenario 1 Scenario 2

kgs

7

1. Important Findings

Material Water Air Total0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

1285

18000

191

19476

3132

39000

389

42521

Entire Lifecycle - MIPS Method

Thin Client Desktop PC

kgs

8

Thin Client Savings• Material 1.8 tonnes• Water 21 tonnes• Air 0.2 tonnes

2. Important Finding

Materials Extraction & Production

Manufacturing Distribution Use End of Life-100

0

100

200

300

400

500

3810 15

110

-20

128

30 40

420

-80

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (CO2e)

Thin Client Desktop PC

kgs

• The use stage represents the biggest impact to the environment – use of electricity

9

3. Important Finding 10

• Regardless of model still potential for further improvements

Further Improvements

Eco-Design initiatives

Improvements in virtualisation, cloud computing benefits for both models

Help to reduce the demand for energy and resources

e.g. Coating on rear panel of thin client results in high emissions.

Causes for the Differences Between the Two Scenarios

Materials Extraction & Production

Stage

• Thin Client vs. Desktop PC• 38 kg CO2e vs. 128 kg

CO2e

• 400 kg vs. 1400 kg of materials

• 2.7kg vs.12.7 kg

CausesLess electronics used in thin clients - surface-mounted devices, integrated circuits,and copper–nickel alloys

No hard drive, minimal RAM, less I/O ports, CD drive in thin client

11

Causes for the Differences Between the Two Scenarios

Use Stage

• Thin Client vs. Desktop PC• 110 kg vs. 420 kg CO2e

• 271.1 kWh vs. 707.63 kWh 

CausesServer performs all computation of thin client – energy savings multiplied by no. of client.

Workplace attitude – 30% of systems not turned off at night or never turned off

12

Questions