Science software aims to save the world
New science software could cut global emissions from enterprise computer networks

Software

Science software aims to save the world

27 Jan, 2011

Published over 15 years ago. See the latest and most current information on Software.

A new piece of science software has one ambitious aim - to save the world.

SPIRIT has been created in Portugal at Ciencia Viva - Agencia Nacional para a Cultura Cientifica e Tecnologica and tackles the issue of wasted energy in data centres.

The principle behind the science software is relatively simple, as its main function is to switch off servers' computers when they are not in use.

As a result, energy consumption of idle units is reduced and emissions correspondingly cut.

The researchers behind the software explain that about one per cent of global carbon emissions are currently traceable to computer equipment.

While that may not sound like much, it is already half as much as the aviation industry produces - and six times as many servers are predicted to be in use by 2020.

Ciencia Viva encourages Portugal's scientific industry through initiatives like arranging laboratory work placements for young people.

Latest News

ILM 51.5 July 2026

Explore our Digital Edition

Discover the latest news and research

Digital edition

Explore Our Other Sites

Envirotech Online
Experienced commercial leader set to support global growth
Explore more Arrow
Pollution Solutions Online
Energy efficiency first: Why shipping must act now while low-GHG fuels scale
Explore more Arrow
Petro Online
Tunable infrared chip could sharpen gas leak and pollution detection
Explore more Arrow
Chromatography Today
SLAS Technology Volume 38 highlights AI-driven laboratory automation, transcriptomics and gene therapy
Explore more Arrow