Made for the Windows operating system, Edison enhances existing PC power settings and provides a consumer-friendly interface that is easy to set up and manage. The Edison application is supported by Microsoft as an easy way for consumers to become active in supporting the Climate Savers Computing Initiative goal of reducing global CO2 emissions from the operation of computers by 54 million tons by 2010. Verdiem is challenging PC users to "do their part" and download 10 million copies of Edison (approximately 1 percent of the global PC population) in the next year.

It's an issue
While much of the IT industry has focused on data center energy efficiency, the world's more than 1 billion PCs are an unexpected drain of energy and source of carbon emissions. Specifically, PCs energy consumption correlates to an average of 1,000 lbs of carbon dioxide and worldwide can consume about 506 billion kWh per year - the equivalent of 70 million cars on the road.

"PCs are the hidden energy hogs of the home and most users have no idea that they are needlessly throwing away 80 percent of their PC's energy," said Kevin Klustner, Verdiem's President and CEO. "If just 1 percent of all PCs used Edison we could potentially reduce environmental impacts by 7 billion pounds of CO2, which is equal to taking more than a half million cars off the road. By finding ways to embed offsets in our daily life - even something as simple as downloading software - we will create permanent reductions in energy use and have a huge impact on our environment and resource sustainability."

Power in numbers
While much of the IT industry has focused on data center energy efficiency, the world's more than 1 billion PCs are an unexpected drain of energy and source of carbon emissions. Specifically, PCs energy consumption correlates to an average of 1,000 lbs of carbon dioxide and worldwide can consume about 506 billion kWh per year - the equivalent of 70 million cars on the road.

Microsoft, a worldwide leader in software, services and solutions, is asking its Windows PC users to augment current PC power settings with Edison software.

"Microsoft is committed to forging partnerships and developing innovative software solutions and services that enable people and organizations to reduce their impact on the environment," said Rob Bernard, Chief Environmental Strategist, Microsoft. "We are pleased to collaborate with Verdiem and Climate Savers Computing to introduce Edison, a free PC energy management solution. With a proven enterprise PC energy management solution, SURVEYOR , Verdiem has demonstrated the ability to deliver excellent customer solutions and now with Edison, consumers can reduce their household greenhouse gas emissions and control energy costs."

Verdiem and Microsoft are both members of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, a nonprofit group of eco-conscious consumers, businesses and conservation organizations committed to reducing the power consumption of PCs and servers. The organization recognizes the value and importance of PC power management and its potential effects.

Edison is available today at no cost. To download the solution, and reduce your household's greenhouse gas emissions please visit www.verdiem.com/edison.