Improve energy efficiency of data centers and information systems facilities

Data centers and information systems facilities require substantial amounts of energy. Data centers that are designed for maximum energy efficiency minimize negative air quality impacts.

Tool: Measure the energy use of data centers and information systems facilities.

Understanding energy use is the first step in improving efficiency. Utilizing multiple measurement tools will give data center managers a more complete picture of how their facilities are using energy and help them determine a starting point for increasing energy efficiency. Investments in such processes will pay off over time as energy costs decrease.

Resources

• Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) calculator. http://www.42u.com/measurement/pue-dcie.htm
• Carbon Usage Effectiveness white paper. http://www.thegreengrid.org/~/media/WhitePapers/Carbon%20Usage%20Effectiveness%20White%20Paper_v3.pdf?lang=en
• ASHRAE’s Thermal Guidelines file:///C:/Users/Taylor/Downloads/steinbrecher--122011--11282013feature.pdf

Tool: Outfit buildings with control systems that integrate, automate, and optimize a buildings multiple systems in order to reduce overall energy consumption.

Building control systems monitor, manage, and adjust a building’s environment and performance. Building control systems are designed to satisfy occupant needs while reducing energy waste.

Resource

• An introduction to building control systems and their benefits. https://www.wbdg.org/resources/smartcontrols.php

Tool: Identify and pursue the most cost-effective strategies for improving the energy efficiency of data centers.

Government and non-government organizations have produced multiple resources that assist IT professionals in improving the energy efficiency of their facilities.

Resources

• Energy Star’s 12 ways to save energy in data centers. https://www.energystar.gov/products/low_carbon_it_campaign/12_ways_save_energy_data_center
• LEED for data centers in existing buildings. http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Archive/General/Docs9774.pdf

Case Study

• Examples of LEED platinum data centers. http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/leed-platinum-data-centers/

Tool: Consider adopting a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy and increasing remote connectivity for employees.

BYOD encourages employees to use their personal electronic devices for work purposes. Most employees own devices that meet the technology needs for their work related duties, and creating BYOD systems reduces the number of devices that need to be powered and serviced. Connecting BYOD efforts with increased remote connectivity also makes telecommuting or working from home more feasible, which cleans our air by reducing vehicle trips to and from workplaces.

Tool: Invest in power management technology.

Proactive power management systems cut energy consumption by revealing baseline energy usage for computer fleets and then turning the fleet off when not needed. Some systems can cut energy consumption by 60 percent.

Resource

• Verdiem Power Management technology from Aptean. http://www.aptean.com/solutions/application/power-management

Outreach and planning

Tool: Develop an Information Systems sustainability plan with an emphasis on air quality.

The Information Systems Division has a key role to play in cleaning our air, and it has expertise on how to make an impact. While this sustainability plan may be as far-reaching as considering proper recycling and disposal of old equipment, consider in particular the roles you might fulfill in cleaning the air. Develop a method for tracking and measuring progress, and for annual review.

Resource

• The IT Energy Efficiency Imperative report from Microsoft, complete with principles and practices for decision. https://www.microsoft.com/environment/IT_Energy/IT_Energy.aspx

Tool: Educate Provo’s residents and businesses on how to reduce energy use and adopt energy-efficient IT practices and technologies.

The Information Systems Division has expertise in managing and improving information technologies that could be shared to assist others in the city as they make adjustments to improve our air quality.