INDUSTRY EXPERT
– both can be achieved in data centre operations without a huge compromise .
This does mean that the data centre needs to be designed more effectively and today we have tools and technologies by which we can design data centres both efficiently and sustainably .
For example , through Schneider ’ s Green Premium products , we provide detailed information on regulatory compliance , material content , environmental impacts , circularity attributes , etc .
So , if you choose technologies and solutions with that level of Green Premium , you can build infrastructure which is highly sustainable .
The other tools which we use , for example , include Schneider Electric ’ s Data Center & Edge Global Energy Forecast . This offers a very simple view for our users to model out their potential global energy consumption based on their estimated data centre and Edge Computing deployments .
We also have Data Centre Infrastructure Management ( DCIM ) software which can aid in providing greater visibility to help maintain sustainable operations .
Can you share any recent examples of sustainability projects that your company has been involved with , across Europe ?
We have worked with a number of customers across the region . One example is with Newcastle City Council in the UK , where we helped it implement a modernisation and consolidation programme for the new e-government strategy , which aimed to deliver digital services to almost 300,000 citizens .
We modernised the existing data centre capacity , upgraded its physical infrastructure including UPS , racks , enclosures , containment and deployed EcoStruxure management software , which helps ensure service continuity , reduces energy consumption and enables its power and cooling systems to be operated with optimum energy efficiency .
Pankaj Sharma , Executive Vice President – Secure Power Division , Schneider Electric
Then there are other examples like the EcoDataCenter , which we are very proud of . This is a very low carbon design . It ’ s almost 1.15 in PUE , which is by far one of the best in the industry . It is looking at reducing CO 2 each year by almost 275,000 metric tonnes and is generating almost 400,000 megawatts out of clean , carbon free electricity per year .
What advice would you offer organisations that wish to take their first steps towards more sustainable operations ?
We like to look at it as a five-step process . The first step is to create an in-house sustainability team with clear roles and KPIs across different functions of the organisation . Then , consider using the expertise of a data centre consultant to outline the strategy and identify some potential solutions . We should try and partner with the anchor tenants to develop those strategies because that ’ s important in the data centre space . Driving standards is also important , and finally considering making sure that the partners you are working with are also focused on the same sustainability ambitions .
How can organisations across the region prepare a long-term sustainability strategy ?
It ’ s a combination of a holistic environmental sustainability strategy and at Schneider Electric , we believe there are five tenets to get to this position . It starts with setting up a bold and actionable strategy , followed by implementing the most efficient data centre designs . Then , when operating the data centre , there must be a focus on efficiency . Buying renewable energy is also absolutely crucial , and in Europe there are many places where you can access renewables .
The fact remains that globally , the grid still consists of almost 75 % fossil fuel , which means that even if you ’ re building the best design from an infrastructure perspective , if you ’ re still sourcing fossil fuel-based energy , there ’ s another area you can address , so moving towards renewable energy is another important focus . Then it ’ s important to decarbonise the supply chain , which means addressing Scope 1 , 2 and 3 emissions . It ’ s always important to look at where you are in terms of where you ’ re sourcing and how you ’ re supplying , so looking at the entire supply chain and trying to decarbonise it as much as possible is essential .
In light of COP26 , many companies and countries are looking to achieve net zero emissions . However , the ambitions differ from region to region . We have 10 years to take significant action and begin to drive change . The next generation is going to play a crucial role and it is the responsibility of us all , both in the industry and outside of it , to take sustainable action now . ◊
GLOBALLY , DATA CENTRES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BETWEEN 1 % TO 2 % OF THE WORLD ’ S ELECTRICITY USAGE , AND THIS IS ALMOST EQUAL TO THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY ’ S CARBON EMISSIONS .
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