ICT and Environmental Sustainability (Green Computing) is part of Information and Communication Technology. Below are notes on 8 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

E-waste management, recycling, and circular economy in ICT

  • E-waste (Electronic waste) refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices, including old, end-of-life, or obsolete electronic appliances.
  • It is a complex mixture of materials, some toxic (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium) and some valuable (e.g., gold, silver, copper, platinum).

Renewable energy sources for powering ICT infrastructure

  • ICT infrastructure's energy demands (data centers, networks, devices) contribute significantly to global carbon emissions.
  • Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) are crucial for powering ICT to achieve environmental sustainability (Green Computing).
  • Key benefits include reduced carbon footprint, lower operational costs, improved energy security, and enhanced brand image.

Solar Energy

Widely adopted; photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. Suitable for remote ICT facilities, base stations, and data centers.

Wind Energy

Wind turbines convert kinetic energy of wind into electricity. Suitable for large-scale data centers or shared grids.

Hydropower

Utilizes flowing water to generate electricity. Offers consistent, large-scale power but requires specific geographical conditions.

Geothermal Energy

Uses heat from Earth's core. Reliable baseload power for ICT, especially effective for cooling data centers.

Bioenergy

Derived from organic matter (biomass). Can power smaller ICT setups, though sustainability concerns exist regarding source and processing.

Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Batteries (e.g., Li-ion) are vital for integrating intermittent renewables (solar, wind) with ICT infrastructure, ensuring continuous power supply.

  • CSIR-CMERI developed the world's largest solar tree (Durgapur, West Bengal), capable of generating 12,000-14,000 units (kWh) of clean power annually.
  • Integration challenges include intermittency of supply, storage costs, grid integration complexities, and initial capital investment.

18. Social Media, Communication, and

Information Ethics

Practice MCQs: ICT and Environmental Sustainability (Green Computing)

E-waste management, recycling, and circular economy in ICT

  1. What term is used to describe old, end of life or discarded electronic appliances?

    Asked in: GA Acts Rules CHEX 27 2023 0307 2024

    1. e-garbage
    2. e-waste
    3. e-by product
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: B. e-waste

    Understanding the terminology related to environmental issues, especially emerging ones like electronic waste, is important.

Renewable energy sources for powering ICT infrastructure

  1. CSIR-CMERI has developed the world's largest solar tree, which has its annual capacity to generate clean and green power units

    Asked in: acf 2019

    1. 12000-14000
    2. 10000-11000
    3. 6000-8000
    4. 4000-10000
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 12000-14000

    This question tests knowledge about innovative technological developments in renewable energy, specifically in India, and their performance metrics. particular user will like based on their similarity to other users.