The Largest Desktop Virtualization Ever
Brazil will convert 35,680 PCs into 356,800 school computers in a desktop virtualization project being billed as the world's largest ever virtual desktop deployment and the largest ever Linux deployment. Working with Userful, ThinkNetworks and Positivo, the country expects to save $47 million or 60 percent in up front costs and $9 million or 80 percent in annual power savings, along with 140,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Let the Sun Shine In
The construction of the Florida's first "net zero energy building" is more than just an environmental accomplishment - it's also the rallying point for a total re-branding effort on the part of one credit union. Community First CU is building a radical new "green" branch that will generate more solar power than it will use over the course of a year, harvest rainwater for re-use and utilize low-flow fixtures that should use 80 percent less potable water than a conventional design.
"Is it a marketing effort? Sure it is; it is to separate ourselves from other financial institutions, but we want to take it one step further and use it to simplify banking," says CEO John Santarpia.
Santarpia says the branch will cost about 30 percent more than a conventional building, the investment will pay off in the long run by cutting operational costs and attracting more members.
-Credit Union Journal
HSBC Gets Gold LEED in Chicago
HSBC's U.S. headquarters in Mettawa, IL were awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, a designation recognized as the standard for environmentally sound construction.
Among other highlights, HSBC's headquarters are noted for recycling or composting of 90 percent of generated waste; a partially green roof; harvesting of rainwater for toilet flushing and irrigation; and a flexible work strategy that enables employees to work from home on a regular basis.
Doha Bank Introduces Green Account
Qatar-based Doha Bank, named 'Best Green Bank in the Middle East' in 2008 by Banker Middle East, introduced a green account that offers cash-back rewards who sign up for new accounts or convert existing accounts. The features of the green account aren't particularly cutting edge - free access to accounts via Internet, SMS, phone, and ATMs; free electronic bill pay; e-remit services for cross-border remittances; and e-delivery of statements, among others.
