George Toh, Vice President & GM – Visual Business, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group.
Having recently celebrated Earth Day on April 22, a holiday that reminds us to reflect on the collective responsibility to protect our planet, we should continue to consider the role technology and AI have in environmental awareness. This Earth Day has come and gone, but let’s challenge ourselves to not only celebrate the planet one day or one month of the year but year-round while harnessing the power of technology and AI to drive meaningful change in how we consume, create and conserve.
The demand for smarter, energy-efficient solutions continues to grow—especially as the tech industry now accounts for 7% of global emissions, according to Greenmatch. Powering AI systems only increases energy consumption, which underscores the need for tech leaders to prioritize efficiency across hardware, software and infrastructure.
Separately, the industry is also grappling with a growing electronic waste (e-waste) problem. In 2022 alone, the world generated a record of 62 million tons of e-waste—a staggering 82% increase from 2010. This surge makes it clear: The tech sector must rethink how devices are designed, used and recycled to reduce the environmental toll of discarded electronics.
As someone who has spent decades in the technology industry focused on PCs and visual displays, I’ve witnessed firsthand how changing business priorities shift the way we approach product design and innovation. Companies are answering the call to be more responsible stewards, seeking new ways to reduce energy consumption while also rethinking how devices are made and where they go at the end of their lifecycle. One area ripe for innovation is display technology.
This shift isn’t just about meeting sustainability goals—it’s about making smart, future-ready investments that reduce costs, align with evolving regulations and meet growing consumer expectations. With this in mind, I’ll be delving into the convergence of AI and visual technology, designing for energy efficiency, and how to minimize e-waste as a business and as an individual.
Optimizing Power Consumption Through AI
The convergence of AI and green computing—the design, use and disposal of technology in an environmentally responsible way—is driving the next wave of Earth-conscious innovation. The tech you choose plays a role in your environmental impact. For example, monitors and intelligent displays that leverage AI-driven automation to dynamically adjust power consumption and optimize backlighting and pixel intensity can help enhance energy savings while maintaining optimal user experience.
Additionally, AI-powered energy management applications have demonstrated significant improvements in energy efficiency, highlighting the potential of AI to optimize energy usage in various settings. These smart optimizations not only reduce the carbon footprint but also enhance user productivity by delivering an optimal viewing experience while conserving resources.
Designing For Energy Efficiency And E-Waste Reduction
E-waste is the world’s fastest-growing waste stream. Approximately eight out of every 10 electronic devices globally end up in a landfill or unsafe scrapyard, and unfortunately, the U.S. is one of the largest culprits. To make issues even more dire, a 2022 report found that only 22% of e-waste was properly recycled.
Fortunately, we can make a difference at an individual level. Reducing e-waste starts with making smarter choices across your tech ecosystem—whether at home or in the office. One key step is prioritizing products built with renewable materials, such as computers and monitors made with post-consumer recycled plastic. Opting for devices made with recycled materials not only improves end-of-life recyclability but also supports the shift toward a circular economy.
Many states have banned disposing of monitors in the trash due to environmental concerns, so it’s important to check local regulations. Searching for nearby recycling programs can provide convenient disposal options, and many manufacturers offer take-back programs as an easy and responsible way to recycle old technology.
Greener Workspaces
As return-to-office mandates continue, businesses have a unique opportunity to build smarter, greener workspaces. Prioritizing energy-efficient technology can drive substantial energy savings while reducing environmental impact. Using energy-efficient monitors in office environments can help to significantly reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs. When selecting IT equipment for yourself and your team, the importance of certifications such as EPEAT Gold and ENERGY STAR should not be overlooked.
EPEAT evaluates electronic products based on various environmental criteria, including reduction of hazardous substances, material selection and design for end-of-life management. ENERGY STAR-certified products adhere to energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ensuring reduced energy consumption during operation. To add some concreteness, ENERGY STAR-certified monitors are, on average, 7% more energy-efficient than non-certified models. Some newer monitors can even save up to 50% in energy consumption by blending new technologies with AI.
Prioritizing devices with these certifications in IT purchasing decisions not only supports sustainability but also results in cost savings due to lower energy consumption. This is a win-win!
Important seasonal moments like Earth Day and Earth Month remind us that building a circular economy and innovation must be one and the same. By focusing on what we can all do, we can take a step toward minimizing resource use, optimizing product lifecycles and fostering a market for sustainable products—not just for Earth Day but year-round. By making conscious choices—whether it is investing in energy-efficient monitors, monitoring and properly recycling your e-waste or having greener workspaces—any individual and business can make meaningful change.
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