SYSTEMS
Sun Microsystems Received 2006 Environment Prize for the UltraSPARC T1 Processor
The World's First Eco-Responsible Processor Honored for Low Energy Consumption, Less than Half the Energy of Competing Technologies
-- Sun Microsystems received the 2006 Environment Prize for the UltraSPARC T1 Processor. The UltraSPARC T1 Processor was named "Product with Less Environmental Impact" typically consuming no more than 70 watts of energy, less than half the energy used by other processors in the same category. The annual award was granted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madrid, the Confederacion Empresarial -- CEIM (Business Confederation) and the Autonomous Community of Madrid. "The combination of factors relative to climate change and sustainable development concern us all, both individually and collectively," said Adolfo Hernandez, president, Sun Microsystems Ib?rica. "Sun Microsystems is fully convinced that, unless we act now, our capacity to reduce the impact and risks associated with both factors will decrease over time. Awards such as this one, together with the great demand for our eco-responsible servers, proves we are doing the right thing at the right time and encourages us to keep operating as we are." The UltraSPARC T1 processor, the world's first eco-responsible processor, was selected for the following reasons: * At present, the majority of the processors consume approximately 150 watts, while the UltraSPARC T1 processor uses up only 70 watts, less than half of the energy consumed by Intel Xeon or IBM Power processors, which implies consumption similar to that of many of the domestic-use light bulbs. * UltraSPARC T1's performance could reduce by half the number of Web servers worldwide, drastically diminishing energy requirements and consequently having a similar effect in the reduction of CO2 emissions as planting approximately 4,000 square kilometers of trees (2485.6 miles).
* If half of the entry servers sold in the last three years were replaced by UltraSPARC T1 processors, over 11 million tons of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of what a million motor vehicles produce, would be eliminated. * A company whose data processing center is formed by 1,000 servers consumes 7.02 million Kw/year -- without including refrigeration, physical space requirements, etc. If the same calculations were made using servers based on UltraSPARC T1 processors, consumption would be only 73,080 Kw/year, a difference of more than 6.9 million Kw/year, enough energy to power the electric energy needs of 2,316 typical Spanish homes for a full year; saving the company 3.2 million Euro ($3.9 million USD) in its electricity bill within only three years, on average. Discover Magazine Vol 26 No. 8, of August, 2005 The recently-announced Sun "Try and Buy" program has given potential customers a way to test and experience the throughput and efficiency of UltraSPARC T1 processor-based systems free, with no obligation. Sun is actively expanding this program to include new products and will soon be rolling out the initiative to more countries around the world. Apply online for a "Try and Buy" Sun Fire CoolThreads server at: its Web site. Sun's Environmental Policy Today's announcement also builds upon Sun's continued effort to address global environmental concerns by delivering innovative and "eco-responsible" products to market. As a technology-driven company, Sun's prime contribution to eco-responsibility is centered on innovation which not only benefits customer's business, but also helps to benefit the environment, including improving energy efficiency, choosing less harmful materials, and encouraging reuse and recycling. Sun launched the UltraSPARC T1 processor in November 2005, the first processor designed for eco-responsibility -- with breakthrough innovations in power, cooling, and performance, further demonstrating its commitment to putting innovation to work for the environment. The company is also active in other environmental stewardship programs including the CEO Business Roundtable S.E.E. Change Initiative, ICT & Sustainability Forum and Sustainable Silicon Valley, in addition to the EPA Climate Leaders Program.