Energy efficiency of ICT: Further improvement through customized products

Abstract

Based on the data of a recent study, the paper will show and analyse the factors that contribute to the fast improvement of energy efficiency of ICT end-user devices over the past years. The main purpose of the paper is to outline future developments and challenges with respect to the further improvement of energy efficiency in the field of end-user devices. In the paper the authors will argue that further improvement is strongly related to the user's capability to select the right product in terms of functional configuration for their individual use. Some possible solutions supporting the user will be discussed ranging from technical means such as advanced software solutions to the investigation of additional regulative requirements. Finally, the paper will investigate the economics of the remaining improvement potential. Hereby the authors address the critical issue of a technical “over-kill” in order to achieve further improvement of energy efficiency versus the resulting environmental impact over the whole product lifecycle.