FEATURE can expect from improving sustainability , especially in terms of reductions in energy and water usage , and lower carbon emissions .
Looking forward
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY
OBJECTIVES HAVE BECOME
KEY DRIVERS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS .
infrastructure and take steps to both improve efficiency and reduce their environmental impact .
Fast-forward 16 years and that approach has stayed with us . Today , we ’ re an engineering-led solutions provider that helps world-leading businesses achieve a lower carbon footprint , greater efficiency , reduced operating costs and exceptional performance – and it all starts with the data .
For example , by showing customers the hot and cold air influences within their data centre and helping them to analyse , optimise and retrofit their facilities , we believe we can help them find the perfect balance between sustainability and performance .
The proof is in the outcomes and today , we keep a live record of the annual energy savings we ’ ve achieved for our customers . To-date they include :
• Total savings : US $ 332 million
• Total kW savings : 356kW
• Total kWh savings : 3BN kWh
• H 2
O savings ( gallons ): 1.5 billion
• CO 2 reductions ( tons ): + 3 million
However , while these data points show some of the gains that can be made by focusing on sustainability , two questions remain ; how do organisations become more energy conscious and what are the next steps they can take to become more sustainable ?
Defining next steps
At Subzero Engineering , we believe that beginning with a data-driven CFD report is the first step , and offers data centre operators insight into how to drive efficiencies across all areas of their facility . This is not limited to airflow ; it includes the Uninterruptible Power Supply ( UPS ), Computer Room Air Conditioners ( CRAC ), racks , IT and cooling fan speeds .
A CFD analysis also shows them how they can achieve a higher rack density , more computing power and help increase the operating temperature to gain both a higher performing and more streamlined and efficient data centre .
This information is invaluable , offering both a starting point and a medium for creating a strategy that balances performance and efficiency . It also offers a means of truly understanding what kind of Return On Investment ( ROI ) they
Today , energy efficiency and sustainability objectives have become key drivers for owners and operators . Subzero has always been a sustainability-engineering organisation ; it just so happens that in recent years , ‘ sustainability ’ has become a key talking point for the industry .
Coming back to the data , a paper authored by Anders S . G . Andrae once presented three possible scenarios for data centre electricity usage ( TWh ) by 2030 . The best-case figure is 1,137 ; the expected figure is 2,967 ; and the worst case is 7,933 . As an industry we cannot let the latter become a reality .
In the absence of the grown-up sustainability conversation that needs to happen soon , where more businesses and consumers become fully aware of the environmental consequences of their digital footprint , I believe more and more pressure will force our industry to perform better .
Sustainability , however , begins with datadriven action , and a free CFD analysis is a perfect place to start . ◊
IN THE ABSENCE OF THE GROWN-UP SUSTAINABILITY CONVERSATION THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN SOON . . . I BELIEVE MORE AND MORE PRESSURE WILL FORCE OUR INDUSTRY TO PERFORM BETTER .
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