Mar 4th - Tips for Making a Green and Environmentally Friendly Data Center

The demand for making greener and more efficient technology is all around us. From cars to air conditioners, there is a worldwide pressure to make anything that consumes energy consume less and still carry out the same functions needed. Here are some tips on how to make your data center environmentally friendly for the big blue rock we call home.

Switch to Eco-Mode Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) - Eco-mode is an option on select UPSs’ that lowers their power consumption down to just enough to carry on with their specific tasks. This switch alone can increase data center efficiency by 5%. This also leaves a smaller dent in your wallet when it comes to paying that electricity bill.

78 Degrees is the Key - Most data centers are cooled by using machine refrigeration or air conditioners to prevent overheating which damages the equipment. If your data center uses air conditioners, 78 degrees is the most efficient temperature during the summer and it doesn’t need to be lower for your data center to perform well. Try installing temperature/heat monitors and always have an eye on the gauge to make sure it doesn’t fall below or rise above 78 degrees. Lastly, if it’s not summer and the day is relatively chilly, you can use the natural wind outside to let a breeze flow into the room to cool your equipment. (Of course, the air must be 78 degrees or cooler!)

Back-up Renewable Energy - Most data center backup generators are diesel-fueled which means more carbon dioxide gets released into the atmosphere. Instead of using diesel, try installing generators that run on renewable energies such as solar panels, wind turbines, or even a hydroelectric. All of these methods contribute to a greener data center and will save you money in the long run.

Recycle your Equipment - Recycling data center equipment is another way to prevent emissions and can save you tons of money that would be spent purchasing new equipment every time an old model gives out.

Look into More Efficient Power Supplies - Power supplies are often overlooked even though they are literally the source of power for your data center. On average, an inefficient power supply wastes three times as much power as an efficient one. What labels a power supply to be “efficient”? Well, an organization named Ecos Consulting launched the 80 Plus certification and incentive program. The 80 Plus performance standards require power supplies to operate with energy efficiencies of 80% or higher at loads of 20%, 50%, and 100%. Saving three times more energy and money sounds appealing doesn’t it?

With all of these tips at your disposal, you can revolutionize your data center and carry out the same demands as before but with significantly less energy. Also, the money you’ll save will constantly add up which means you can use those funds elsewhere. Remember that there will always be room for improvement with anything and being more efficient happens to be the number one demand.