While the initial cost of building a green data center might give some organizations pause, there are many advantages of investing in eco-friendly storage solutions, including energy savings and reduced operational costs.
Following are a few useful tips for greening your data center.
For more information on data center trends, view TechNavio’s Global Green Data Center Market report.
1. Seek out DCIM
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools are essential for gaining an in-depth understanding of your data center operations. DCIM encourages proper energy use, provides optimized equipment layouts and consolidates and supports virtualization for the data center. DCIM tools can also help make capacity planning easier for managers to reduce the volume of hardware as well as the cost of cooling.
2. Adopt Modular Data Centres
Many companies have started adopting modular datacentres in an effort to go green. This format is basically an easily scalable data-center-in-a-box. Unlike traditional centers, modular data centers offer a portable, energy efficient format, which helps in quick deployment.
The HP EcoPod is an example of this kind of system. The eco-friendly data center can support more than 4000 servers and uses 95 percent facilities energy compared with legacy data centers.
3. Employ Adjustable Equipment
Invest in a scalable or modular system that can help direct resources when and where peak power is needed. Scalable blade servers can provide higher computing power while using less space and even less cooling power.
4. Keep the Way Clear
Ensure that the floors are raised a minimum of 18 inches to allow maximum airflow. Keep all openings plugged and have your flow tiles checked for CFM ratings Add blanking panels and rack grommets, close the spaces under cabinets as well as the gap between sides of cabinets and mounting rails.
5. Use Proper Building Design
Plain and simple, a data centre’s impact on the environment can be easily mitigated if the building where the servers are kept adopts LEED standards.
6. Look Outside the Data Center
Start keeping an eye out for eco-friendly construction materials. Anything from low-emission carpets and paints, to non-toxic insulation can go a long way towards greening your data center.
7. Stay Current
Since technology is growing and changing every day, your best bet is to stay on top of developments and trends in the sector. Be aware of all the latest advancements that can help you go green, and ultimately save big on money and resources in the future.
Author Bio
Ramya Raju is a freelance writer/web designer from India. She has eight years of experience in content writing for some top blogs and websites.
