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If you told someone in 1992 that they would be able to access their phonebook by logging into their iCloud or Google Drive account on a desktop thousands of miles away while traveling, they would think you’re insane – but data centers (and those able to qualify as a green data center) have changed the way we store information forever.
However, the problem with data centers is that they contribute to excess greenhouse gas emissions due to their need for constant electricity – which is why a green data center might be the answer to all of our problems in regards to digital data storage.
In this article, we’ll review what a green data center is, why they are important, and green data centers running around the world today and potential solutions for the future.
If you’ve ever wondered exactly where all of the photos and files you’re saving to the “cloud” goes – they aren’t actually being stored up in the air, but at a data center still on the ground.
Data centers are often compiled together in a single room, building, or facility designated for IT infrastructure to help ensure the data can be stored properly and run smoothly.
A few of the different types of data centers include:
👉 Businesses often rely on applications or records that take up a lot of space, therefore – a data center is essential to complete their everyday tasks.
As technology advances alongside efforts to combat climate change, one of the most conspicuous solutions is to transition to the use of a green data center over a traditional one.
Think of a green data center as similar to a refurbished laptop – the laptop made out of recycled materials still functions and serves the same purpose as a traditional laptop, just as a green data center can provide the capability for data storage while still aiming towards greater sustainability.
In fact, many of the components that make up a green data center are often difficult to discern in comparison to a traditional data center – meaning that most of the things that make up a green data center are invisible to the naked eye.
Some qualities of green data centers often include:
👉 The main difference between a traditional data center and a green data center is that a green data center works to mitigate excess emissions and reduce its environmental impact, whereas a traditional data center is most concerned with the efficiency and accessibility of information.
The reason why a green data center is important is the same reason why small efforts such as making an effort to recycle, use sustainable packaging, and buy a reusable shopping bag or water bottle are all important – because when done collectively, it can make a difference in the climate change crisis we are all fighting against.
In 2020 alone, data centers accounted for 0.6% of all greenhouse gas emissions – a number that is bound to increase in the coming years as remote work becomes the new norm and as more industries decide to incorporate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their business operations.
👉 Essentially, remote work becoming more common, new efforts to implement sustainability, and overall increase in the use of technology have all highlighted the need for more green data centers.
Here are a few more reasons why green data centers are becoming important in the midst of climate change and a society dependent on technology:
Seeing as 42% of data centers choose to never track their energy efficiency, it’s hard to believe that there a few viable, green data centers currently up & running – but there are!
Here are just a few data centers that have made the effort to go green:
Users of google drive can rest easy knowing that this data center has been putting its best foot forward to go green.
Some efforts on behalf of Google’s data center located in Finland to become a green data center include recycling 100% of the electronics before replacing them, and making use of seawater cooling – which uses deep-sea cold water to cool systems within the green data center, ultimately reducing freshwater usage.
If you store your iPhone’s photos on the cloud – it might be going to Apple’s green data center located in North Carolina.
Apple’s green data center makes use of multiple renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power to keep facilities like their data centers running. In addition to this, Apple’s green data center uses chilled water energy systems and outside air cooling to allow their built-in chillers to remain off ¾ of the time – further reducing energy consumption.
Located in Germany, this green data center has been able to reduce its power usage by 30% with the implementation of a green roof – where up to 72% of their roof is covered with vegetation that helps to absorb water and keep the green data center from overheating.
This green data center located in Bend, Oregon has made a massive effort to reduce its emissions by implementing the use of solar panels to power all of its non-IT equipment. The green data center in Oregon has also made use of LED lighting to improve energy efficiency and a 900-kilowatt passive passive heat rejection system – which helps the green data center to mitigate all of its water usage.
Sustainability always starts with the smallest of efforts, and the same can be said and done for your data center if you’re looking to turn it into a green data center.
Here are just a few ideas to make your data center into a green data center:
Overall, green data centers do exist – but the majority of data centers still have a long way to go before they can be considered green data centers. However, if more data centers join the movement towards sustainability – a green data center could become the new standard in no time.
If reading this article about green data centers and if they exist has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!
It can be difficult to understand how a green data center can have an impact on your business, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help! Click here to book a demo and get personalised expertise on how various environmental regulations and laws will have an impact on your own emission reductions and efforts to decrease your environmental impact.
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