By reimagining how we design, build, distribute and use our products, Xbox is working to reduce our environmental impact so that we can achieve Microsoft’s goal of becoming a carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste company by 2030. working to reduce the
Last March, we shared an update on our sustainability efforts across hardware, software, waste reduction and collective action. As well as continuing to work with industry partners and game developers, we are always looking for ways to innovate, learn and improve our measures. We are not only responsible for the carbon emissions in the manufacturing and distribution of our products, but also for the emissions caused by the use of our products in the homes of our fans. So how we design our hardware and software to be more efficient and optimized for renewable energy can have a big impact.
Today, we’re sharing the updates rolling out to Xbox Insiders. The upcoming changes will create an opportunity for the collective community of gamers to make choices that reduce their environmental impact while gaming.
Xbox becomes the first gaming console to offer carbon-aware game downloads and updates
Being carbon-aware means reducing your carbon footprint by optimizing your console to perform updates and downloads during times when it can use the most renewable energy. Windows Update became carbon aware last year It’s for Windows 11 PCs, and now Xbox consoles are becoming carbon aware too.
When the console is plugged in, connected to the internet, and has local carbon footprint data available, Xbox will schedule console game, app, and OS updates at specific times during the nightly maintenance window. To do. A proportion of the electricity is supplied from low-carbon sources in the grid. For example, instead of the Xbox starting up at a random time between 2:00am and 6:00am during the nightly maintenance window, the console will start at a time when the local energy grid has the most renewable energy available. . This reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and our CO2 emissions, potentially saving us money. Currently only available to Xbox Insiders using Shutdown (Energy Saving), but all Xbox gamers will soon have the opportunity to update their Xbox consoles to become Carbon Aware.
Energy settings to help save energy on your Xbox
Starting today, Xbox Insiders will notice that Xbox Series X|S consoles will automatically update to the Shutdown (Energy Saving) power option. This one-time update of his power settings reduces power consumption while the console is powered off. It also does not affect performance, gameplay, or the console’s ability to receive nightly updates to the system, games, or apps. Remote functionality is supported while the console is powered on. However, remote wake is not supported while the console is shut down. You can choose the best setting and adjust the settings at any time. Shutdown (Energy Saving) reduces power usage when off by up to 20x compared to Sleep.
As all players continue to explore options to reduce their environmental impact, Xbox One consoles will start showing new power mode options including Shutdown (Energy Saving) as early as today. The Xbox One console tests multiple messaging options to determine how best to inform players of changes. This initiative is intended to give Xbox One gamers an opportunity to provide feedback on their experience.
Shutdown (Energy Conservation) allows the Xbox One console to receive system, game or app downloads overnight, similar to the Xbox Series X|S. Selecting Shutdown (Energy Saving) slows down the startup time of your Xbox One console. Remote functionality is still supported while the console is powered on.
We encourage all players to learn more about the power setting options available. The small steps we take have a bigger overall impact. And choosing to shut down (saving energy) can actually have a meaningful impact. For example, every time two consoles switch to shut down (energy saving) for one year, you save the equivalent amount of carbon removed by planting and growing one tree for ten years. This is based on his one-year average of shutting down (energy saving) Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles 20 hours per day. Actual energy savings and avoided emissions may vary by console and other factors.use Greenhouse Gas Equivalent Calculator | US Environmental Protection Agency.
Improving sustainability with “activity time” and “sleep”
Another Energy Settings update starting rolling out to Xbox Insiders today is the new “Active Hours” setting. If you choose the sleep power option, you can now adjust your console’s active hours – your Xbox will wake up quickly and be available for remote wake during the active hours of your choice. At the end of the active part of the day, the Xbox shuts down completely, consuming 0.5W, but consuming 10-15W when active.
- Active Hours on Xbox Series X|S are automatically enabled and scheduled based on how long the console has been used previously
- Xbox One consoles have the option to set active hours and default to ‘always active’ unless changed.
how can i help
We cannot do this alone. We need to work together with players, developers, studios and the industry to reduce the environmental impact of games. We are committed to working with developers, partnering with organizations, and empowering players to make more informed decisions.
Below are some specific ways you can help.
- Choose settings that help you and your Xbox save energy
Select Shut Down (Energy Saving) as your Xbox power option. If you’re not an Xbox Insider and would like to adjust your settings to get the best power saving options before auto-update, Settings > General > Power Options. Helps save power and enable Carbon Aware Updates on your Xbox. - be carbon conscious – Select Auto Update. If you configure your Xbox to get automatic updates and choose Shutdown (Power Saver) as your power option, you’re carbon aware Xbox.
- Shuts down immediately on inactivity – Shorten the period of inactivity before your Xbox turns off. This will reduce the amount of time it takes for your console to turn off during periods of inactivity. By default this is set to 1 hour for him, but you can choose a time less than 1 hour. Settings > General > Power Options > Customize Power Options.
See below for more information on what we do. xbox.com/sustainability.
