4.11 Environmental Implications

Question 1

State 3 advances in technology that help to reduce users’ carbon footprint.

Answer 1

• VC allows firms to reduce their reliance on road transport and demands for air travel
• Sophisticated ICT systems installed in vehicles that inform users of their petrol or diesel usage at different speeds
• Energy-efficient equipment like light bulbs

Question 2

Describe 3 ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

Answer 2

• Power management - computer settings such as hibernation/sleep mode if the computer is not being used for a period of time
• Peripheral usage - purchasing energy-saving devices, eg LCD monitors which can draw less than 45% of the power of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor; turning off peripherals and adapters when not in use; purchasing a multi-functional device such as a printer/scanner/fax (all-in-one device)
• Printer usage - optimising controls such as sleep mode, duplex printing and greyscale

Question 3

Describe WEEE.

Answer 3

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment legislation 2007 - users must store, collect, treat, recycle and dispose of WEEE separately from other waste.