The National Governors Association has partnered with the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, a program started by Google and Intel that is designed to spur deployment of energy-efficient computers and servers in state offices, Government Computer News reports.

“The average desktop PC currently wastes half of the power it receives,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, NGA chair. “Having states increase the energy efficiency of their computing equipment will save consumers and taxpayers money, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.”

Representatives of the two groups say that by joining forces, states can achieve up to a 50 percent reduction in energy consumption from state-owned computer equipment over the next four years.

Minnesota and Kansas are the first states to join the CSCI partnership. Under the terms of the agreement, these states have committed to reducing energy consumption from a majority of their computing equipment by pledging to purchase high-efficiency computer equipment that meets or exceeds federal Energy Star ratings, optimizing existing computer systems by educating employees about more efficient and effective computer power management strategies, and ensuring in subsequent years states purchase computing equipment with increasing levels of efficiency.