Computer software tools that will automatically turn off unused PCs at night are just some of the measures Peterborough City Council is taking to increase efficiency, reduce its carbon footprint and save thousands of pounds each year.

 

The council continues to make use of Microsoft technologies in addition to software tools from 1E which will enable the authority to ensure that any of its 2,500 computers that do not need to be on are turned off at night to save energy. The tools will also carry out a virtual inventory and keep up-to-date records of all of the council computers to ensure staff have the most efficient equipment and software to do their job.

 

Councillor Stephen Goldspink, Cabinet member for Efficiency and Business Improvement, said: "It is essential we provide accessible services efficiently and the underpinning principle of all four of the city council's strategic priorities is to deliver services in the most cost-effective way possible in order to keep council tax as low as possible.

 

"By purchasing software which will ensure equipment that doesn't need to remain on is switched off at night we will save on our energy bills and prolong the life of the equipment.

 

"The new software means staff will no longer have to check manually which software is on each computer. This is far less time consuming and the ICT helpdesk will have access to this information which will enable them to trouble-shoot computer problems more effectively. The council, like all individuals and organisations, has a responsibility to reduce its carbon footprint and become more efficient. Both our staff and customers will reap the benefits of the new software."