The Five Deadly Sins of Data Center Sustainability

The demand for data centers has risen exponentially in recent years, and the need for sustainable practices correspondingly. As we move towards a more energy-conscious world, we must adopt sustainable measures in data centers to reduce our carbon footprint. However, some techniques can be more harmful than helpful. This article will discuss the five deadly sins of data center sustainability and how integrating DCIM into the BAS system can mitigate these practices.

Ignoring power usage effectiveness (PUE) and efficiency

One of the most critical aspects of data center sustainability is its PUE, which measures the energy a data center uses to run its IT equipment versus the energy used to power its cooling and other supporting systems. A lower PUE indicates a more efficient data center. Unfortunately, some data center operators ignore the PUE and overall efficiency in favor of lower upfront costs, resulting in a more expensive and less sustainable data center in the long run.

Overcooling the data center

Another common issue is overcooling the data center, which can lead to significant energy waste. Maintaining a cooler-than-needed temperature can result in higher energy usage and an increase in the data center's carbon footprint. By integrating DCIM into the BAS system, operators can monitor and control the data center's temperature, ensuring optimal cooling while minimizing energy waste.

Inefficient equipment

Using outdated or inefficient equipment is another deadly sin of data center sustainability. Older servers and IT equipment consume more energy and heat than newer, more efficient models. Replacing older equipment with newer, more efficient models can result in significant energy savings and a more sustainable data center.

Lack of monitoring and reporting

Without proper monitoring and reporting, it can be challenging to identify and address inefficiencies in the data center. DCIM can provide real-time monitoring and reporting of power usage, cooling efficiency, and other critical metrics. This data can be used to identify areas of improvement and optimize energy usage, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint of the data center.

Failure to adopt a sustainability mindset

Finally, the most significant deadly sin of data center sustainability is failing to adopt a sustainability mindset. Data center operators must prioritize sustainability in every aspect of their operation, from equipment purchases to facility design and daily operations. Integrating DCIM into the BAS system is a critical step in this process, enabling real-time energy usage monitoring and optimization.

In conclusion, sustainability is no longer an optional consideration for data centers, it is a critical component of responsible operations and a vital step in reducing our carbon footprint. To avoid the deadly sins of data center sustainability, operators must prioritize energy efficiency, adopt a sustainability mindset, and integrate DCIM into the BAS system. Doing so can create a more sustainable and responsible future for data centers and the world.

Additional Resources

• Case Study: Sandia National Laboratories' Holistic Data Center Design Integrates Energy and Water Efficiency, Flexibility, and Resilience case study
• Streamlining Data Center Management: The Benefits of Integrated Data Center Management (IDCM) - AutomatedBuildings.com
• Standard 90.4: Energy Standard For Data Centers, February 2023 ASHRAE Journal
• Introduction to Integrated Data Center Management (IDCM) – YouTube
• Integrated Data Center Management | Nlyte
• Integrated Data Center Management | Automated Logic
• Data Centers | Carrier Commercial Systems
• Data Center Solutions Brochure | Carrier Commercial Systems

Definitions

BAS stands for Building Automation System. It is a centralized control system that manages and controls the environmental conditions of a building, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security. The BAS uses sensors, actuators, and controllers to automate and optimize the building's systems, ensuring that they operate at peak efficiency and in a coordinated manner. By monitoring and adjusting the building's systems in real-time, the BAS can improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and improve occupant comfort and safety. BAS can be used in a variety of buildings, including commercial, industrial, and residential structures.

DCIM stands for Data Center Infrastructure Management. The software solution provides centralized management and monitoring of a data center's IT and physical infrastructure. DCIM allows data center operators to monitor, analyze, and manage various aspects of the infrastructure, including power and cooling systems, server utilization, capacity planning, and environmental conditions. DCIM provides a holistic view of the data center's performance and helps operators make informed decisions on optimizing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring business continuity. The software typically includes real-time monitoring, reporting, and analysis tools and automation and integration capabilities with other data center systems. DCIM is an essential tool for managing modern data centers that are becoming increasingly complex and demanding regarding energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the systems used to control and regulate indoor environments' temperature, humidity, and air quality, such as buildings, homes, and vehicles. HVAC systems typically have several components, including heating and cooling units, air ducts, air filters, and thermostats. These systems work together to maintain comfortable and healthy indoor conditions by heating or cooling the air and circulating it throughout the building. Properly functioning HVAC systems are essential for maintaining indoor air quality, preventing the spread of airborne pollutants, and ensuring occupant comfort and safety.

PUE stands for Power Usage Effectiveness. It is a metric used to measure the energy efficiency of a data center. PUE is calculated by dividing a data center's total power consumption by the IT equipment's power consumption alone. The resulting number represents the ratio of the total energy used by the data center to the energy used by the IT equipment. The lower the PUE, the more energy-efficient the data center is.

An example of how to calculate PUE:

Suppose you have a data center with a total power consumption of 1000 kW, and the IT equipment power consumption is 600 kW.

PUE = Total power consumption / IT equipment power consumption

PUE = 1000 kW / 600 kW

PUE = 1.67

In this example, the PUE of the data center is 1.67, which means that for every watt of power used by the IT equipment, 1.67 watts of power are consumed by the data center's support systems, such as cooling, lighting, and power distribution. By tracking and optimizing PUE, data center operators can identify areas for improvement and implement energy-efficient solutions to reduce costs and improve sustainability.