The city plans to begin implementing Surveyor, a power management software, for about 10,000 of its laptop and desktop computers.

Once installed, the software will monitor personal computer use patterns and turn off machines when they are not needed. By creating efficiencies without impacting productivity, the city estimates it could save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 200 passenger vehicles or 100 homes a year.

"Computer technology helps government operate more efficiently and better serve the people of Seattle. But this efficiency has the environmental impact of increased use of electricity," said Bill Schrier, Seattle's chief technology officer.

"Buying EnergyStar desktop computers and using tools, such as Surveyor, help us better manage and reduce that impact."

Surveyor, the software selected by the city, is provided by Verdiem, a Seattle-based company. The vendor was selected by using a contract awarded by the Western States Contract Alliance. The city contract is worth about $175,000 for 18 months.