Berlin - A flat fee for internet access is no excuse for leaving the computer on all day, according to an expert on green technology.

A daylong connection means a lot of wasted energy. "An internet connection makes up about a third of energy consumption," Siegfried Behrendt of Berlin's IZT Institute for Future Studies and Technology Assessment said in an interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

IZT's calculations have shown that downloading the entire edition of a Berlin daily newspaper consumes as much energy as running a washing machine. So those keen on saving energy should download just the articles they find interesting and not the whole edition.

"And, if possible, don't print those out," added Behrendt.

Behrendt said customers should make targeted use of the internet. Instead, many people download enormous amounts of data, but only use a small portion of those downloads.

"If you get lost online and then download items without prejudice, you can burn up a lot of energy."

Intense downloads also require energy on the part of the internet provider.

Many users do not realize that their router, which provides internet access, is plugged in around the clock and, depending on the model, can use the same amount of energy as an energy-saving light bulb. Ideally, says Behrendt, the router and the computer would be shut down and unplugged after every use.

If used sensibly, a speedy internet connection is far more convenient than a slow one.

"A fast DSL router puts you in a better situation than you would be with a modem," said Behrendt. But people who make the switch shouldn't expect lower electricity bills.

"Individual savings are not that high, but when you figure the incremental cost savings for everyone you can plenty of energy savings."(dpa)