END USER INSIGHT
equipment to monitor exactly how much cooling each site needs at any one time , and report back on how to optimise cooling as demand changes . This not only helps make sure each site operates as efficiently as possible , it also helps identify any issues and prevents overcooling or overheating . The new EkkoSense software is expected to deliver energy savings equivalent to 1 million kg of CO 2 year-on-year .
O2 has already upgraded around 70 % of its core network sites with the brand new equipment and EkkoSense data centre optimisation software , delivering an energy saving of between 15 % and 20 % per site – equivalent to 678,000 kg of CO 2 in its first pro-rata year of use .
Tracey Herald , Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at O2 , said : “ Our number one priority is keeping customers connected , but that cannot be at the expense of the environment . Data centre cooling is a great example : the more data we use , the hotter the centres can become . Historically , networks have relied on air con , but the UK has plenty of fresh , cold air that does the same job – so we ’ re getting rid of old kit and using energy in a smarter way . Investing in upgrading our network will help us hit our efficiency targets as we head towards net zero by 2025 – without compromising on the service we provide .”
Dean Boyle , CEO at EkkoSense , said : “ We ’ re delighted that O2 chose EkkoSense to help it cool its data centres more efficiently and deliver energy savings at a time when demands on its critical facilities have never been so intense . Our software ’ s ability to capture and analyse O2 ’ s critical power , space and cooling information in real time gives its data centre team access to much more powerful optimisation capabilities , as it progresses towards net zero .”
Turning masts on snooze mode and running on renewables – A greener network
O2 is investing more than ever in its network to improve coverage and experience for all its customers across the UK , matching growing demand with its industry-leading green ambitions . Introducing various energy-efficiency enhancements ( such as free air-cooling and advanced automation , that ‘ switches off ’ technology on its networks when demand is low ) is one of the reasons O2 ’ s network is now around 82 % more energy efficient than it was in 2015 .
O2 ’ s operations are powered by 100 % renewable electricity wherever O2 directly controls the bill .
After starting its renewable energy procurement in 2008 , the operator has since invested approximately £ 400 million in renewable energy supply and is now going even further , working with landlords to encourage the switch to renewables on third-party sites where O2 doesn ’ t control the energy bill . Currently , 70 % of O2 ’ s total estate is powered on renewable energy sources .
Jorge Ribeiro Rousse , Director of Service Platform Strategy and Engineering , Virgin
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