Peter's £40k patch aim

Peter Kear, an IT support team leader in Stafford, realised the potential waste of staff forgetting or being unable to switch off computers when they left work. He has now adapted existing software to scan all council computers and automatically switch off any left on.

The "patch management" programme should be installed throughout the county by September.

Peter said: "We already have software that scans every county council computer when they are switched off to ensure they have the latest anti-virus protection installed.

"This technology already realises whether a PC is on or off, so it was then a matter of writing a programme that went a step further and switched off machines that didn't need to be on during the night."

His "patch" cost nothing and estimates suggest it may save about £40,000 a year in electricity. It is thought other councils and industry may adapt the programme, leading to potential savings.

Councillor Mick Clarke, council cabinet member for organisation and performance, said: "The authority is Staffordshire's largest user of computers and this ingenious software is simple and effective way of cutting our carbon footprint and saving cash." Peter received one a council Stars staff recognition award.