Funded by a grant from IBM, this study explores the potential to realize facility operating savings through the use of Flat Panel Monitors (FPMs) in high density, open plan office environments. FPMs are now gaining popularity for desktop PCs. Although the FPM may cost up to three times more than the more common, comparable Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor, the FPM has three major advantages that may more than make up the purchase price difference by enabling significant facility savings. These advantages are:

• usage of less space,
  
• usage of less energy, and;
  
• higher quality images from a monitor that adapts better to a variety lighting conditions.

This study addresses four potential savings opportunities that result from reduced energy consumption, furniture costs, office rental space and construction costs. For this purpose, seven benchmark workstations were identified that are commonly found in high density offices. The benchmark workstations were then evaluated and compared to redesigned/modified workstations after the utilization of the much slimmer, but equivalent in size, FPM unit while maintaining key ergonomic standards. A complete financial analysis is performed and return-on-investment spreadsheets are developed that show savings under different scenarios at varous rental rates.

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