This summer Rockhurst took a step to reduce its environmental impact through earth-friendly computer labs. In labs across campus, students are now using workstations that require 90 percent less energy than traditional PCs.

The technology, called thin-client computing, not only requires less energy to run, but the smaller equipment requires less material to produce. That equates to less energy spent on transportation and less material to eventually recycle. Each unit is expected to work effectively for nearly double the life span of traditional PCs, and its low heat output calls for less power used for air conditioning.

In addition to environmental benefits, the new system is a valuable IT management solution and will provide significant cost savings for the University. Centralizing the management of more than 230 desktop computers – in all 18 labs across campus – will reduce the downtime for individual upgrades and repair.

“This is a good solution for Rockhurst,” said Matt Heinrich, associate vice president of facilities and tech-nology. “It’s the responsible thing to do and a perfect fit with our mission.”

When the new system was in place, Rockhurst donated more than 200 CPUs and other equipment to local nonprofit organizations, including Cristo Rey Kansas City.

Thin-client technology is catching on in businesses across the nation. While not the only university in the area to use this green technology, Rockhurst’s large-scale implementation currently puts it ahead of the curve among schools in the region.