‘Greener’ Technology Practices at Pitt

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to all types of sustainability efforts, whether it’s the garbage that is pitched or the computers that are touched. A sampling of technological sustainability, courtesy of Pitt’s Computing Services and Systems Development (CSSD):

Self-Service Printing

For students, printing is free, easy, and convenient on campus. Now, thanks to self-service printing, the number of print jobs left on the printer tray has been significantly reduced. The service, which is 20 times less wasteful than full-service printing, requires students to use an ID card to print documents. Since its introduction two years ago, 325,000 sheets of printed (and then discarded) sheets of papers have been saved. Self-service printing is available in all seven of Pitt’s computer labs and in a number of other student-centered buildings across campus.

Read Green @ Pitt

Don’t want to receive paper through University mail? Faculty and staff can receive many University paper-based mailings directly via e-mail (with no attachments to clutter computer storage). Simply log onto my.pitt.edu, open the profile page, and select “Read Green.”

Server Consolidation

Virtual servers allow one machine to do the job of many. CSSD has consolidated 300 servers onto a VMware cluster comprising just 30 computers. Fewer computers mean less energy usage, and virtual server hosting has helped departments pay only for the hardware resources they need, lowering costs across the board. Contact the Help Desk (412-624-HELP) for more information.